NCBTMB Massage Techniques and Modalities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Swedish massage, which technique is best suited for warming up superficial tissue and increasing local circulation before deeper work?
- Deep transverse friction
- Effleurage (Correct answer)
- Compression
- Vibration
Correct answer: Effleurage
Effleurage warms superficial tissues and increases circulation, preparing the area for deeper massage techniques.
Question 2: Which massage modality uses application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears believed to correspond to body organs?
- Shiatsu
- Reflexology (Correct answer)
- Acupressure
- Polarity therapy
Correct answer: Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the theory that specific zones on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to organs and body systems.
Question 3: During sports massage, pre-event massage should be performed to:
- Promote deep relaxation and reduce muscle tone
- Stimulate tissues and prepare muscles for activity (Correct answer)
- Address injuries and break down scar tissue
- Reduce delayed onset muscle soreness from training
Correct answer: Stimulate tissues and prepare muscles for activity
Pre-event sports massage is stimulating in nature, using brisk techniques to warm up muscles and prepare the athlete for competition.
Question 4: Lymphatic drainage massage uses which characteristic pressure compared to Swedish massage?
- Heavier pressure to push fluid through vessels
- Very light pressure just enough to move skin (Correct answer)
- Moderate pressure targeting muscle bellies
- Deep pressure at lymph node sites
Correct answer: Very light pressure just enough to move skin
Manual lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure—approximately 30–40 mmHg—sufficient only to move skin and stimulate lymphatic vessels without compressing them.
Question 5: In Thai massage, the therapist primarily uses which body parts to apply pressure?
- Fingertips and thumbs only
- Thumbs, palms, feet, elbows, and knees (Correct answer)
- Knuckles and forearms only
- Palms and heel of hand only
Correct answer: Thumbs, palms, feet, elbows, and knees
Thai massage uses a wide range of body parts including thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure along energy lines.
Question 6: The term 'rolfing' refers to a form of bodywork that primarily addresses:
- Meridian pathways and chi flow
- Structural integration through deep fascial manipulation (Correct answer)
- Trigger points and referred pain patterns
- Craniosacral rhythm and dural tension
Correct answer: Structural integration through deep fascial manipulation
Rolfing, developed by Ida Rolf, is a system of structural integration that works with deep fascia to realign the body in relation to gravity.
Question 7: Which contraindication is MOST relevant when considering friction techniques over scar tissue?
- Scar tissue less than 6–8 weeks old (Correct answer)
- Hypertrophic scars that have fully matured
- Superficial scars without nerve involvement
- Scars from elective cosmetic procedures
Correct answer: Scar tissue less than 6–8 weeks old
Friction over scar tissue is contraindicated when the scar is immature (less than 6–8 weeks old) as the tissue is still in the remodeling phase and could be damaged.
NCBTMB Massage Techniques and Modalities 3
In Swedish massage, which technique is best suited for warming up superficial tissue and increasing local circulation before deeper work?