NCBTMB Massage Application and Techniques 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Muscle energy technique (MET) requires the client to do which of the following during the procedure?
- Remain completely passive while the therapist moves the limb
- Actively contract the target muscle against therapist resistance (Correct answer)
- Hold their breath during each stretch phase
- Visualize the muscle releasing without physical effort
Correct answer: Actively contract the target muscle against therapist resistance
MET requires the client to perform an isometric or isotonic contraction against therapist resistance, which then facilitates post-contraction relaxation and improved range of motion.
Question 2: Which massage technique uses alternating hot and cold applications to create a pumping action in circulation?
- Hydrotherapy contrast therapy (Correct answer)
- Myofascial cupping
- Thermal compression wrapping
- Vibrational ultrasound therapy
Correct answer: Hydrotherapy contrast therapy
Contrast hydrotherapy alternates hot and cold applications to vasodilate and vasoconstrict blood vessels, creating a circulatory pumping effect.
Question 3: A therapist notices that a client's muscle belly is extremely tender to even light palpation and the skin is warm and reddened. What is the MOST appropriate response?
- Apply deep friction to reduce the inflammation faster
- Avoid the area; refer the client to a physician (Correct answer)
- Apply ice massage directly over the area and continue session
- Use tapotement to stimulate local circulation
Correct answer: Avoid the area; refer the client to a physician
Extreme tenderness, warmth, and redness are signs of acute local inflammation or possible infection, which are local contraindications requiring physician evaluation.
Question 4: When applying cross-fiber friction to a muscle belly (as opposed to a tendon), what is the MAIN intended outcome?
- Increase muscle length permanently
- Break down intramuscular adhesions and restore fiber gliding (Correct answer)
- Decrease nerve conduction velocity in the area
- Stimulate gamma motor neurons to improve tone
Correct answer: Break down intramuscular adhesions and restore fiber gliding
Cross-fiber friction applied to a muscle belly targets intramuscular adhesions, freeing individual muscle fibers to glide properly against each other.
Question 5: What is the CORRECT draping practice when working on a client's gluteal region?
- Remove all draping for better access to the area
- Undrape the entire posterior leg and gluteal region simultaneously
- Use a specific gluteal draping technique that exposes only the working area while maintaining modesty (Correct answer)
- Ask the client to hold the drape themselves while you work
Correct answer: Use a specific gluteal draping technique that exposes only the working area while maintaining modesty
Specific gluteal draping techniques expose only the area being worked on while keeping adjacent structures covered, maintaining client modesty and professional standards.
Question 6: In Swedish massage, which stroke is typically used LAST during work on a body region to signal the end of work in that area?
- Tapotement
- Deep friction
- Effleurage (Correct answer)
- Pétrissage
Correct answer: Effleurage
Effleurage is typically used at the conclusion of work on a region as a finishing stroke that integrates the work done and provides a smooth transition.
Question 7: A therapist uses the forearm instead of the thumb to apply broad, deep pressure. What is the PRIMARY advantage of this approach?
- Greater precision in finding small trigger points
- Reduced therapist fatigue and broader tissue coverage (Correct answer)
- Increased specificity to individual muscle fibers
- Better feedback through tactile sensation
Correct answer: Reduced therapist fatigue and broader tissue coverage
Using the forearm distributes pressure over a broader surface, covers more tissue per stroke, and significantly reduces strain on the therapist's thumbs and wrists.
NCBTMB Massage Application and Techniques 5
Muscle energy technique (MET) requires the client to do which of the following during the procedure?