NCBTMB Massage Techniques and Modalities 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In shiatsu massage, the therapist applies pressure along pathways called:
- Dermatomes
- Meridians (Correct answer)
- Fascial lines
- Lymphatic channels
Correct answer: Meridians
Shiatsu uses finger pressure applied along meridians (energy channels) derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine to balance the flow of qi.
Question 2: Which technique involves grasping and lifting soft tissue away from underlying structures, then rolling or wringing it?
- Effleurage
- Petrissage (Correct answer)
- Vibration
- Tapotement
Correct answer: Petrissage
Petrissage includes kneading, wringing, and lifting techniques that compress and release soft tissue to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Question 3: Post-event sports massage performed within 24 hours after competition should focus on:
- Deep friction to break up lactic acid crystals
- Flushing techniques to reduce soreness and promote recovery (Correct answer)
- Trigger point therapy for performance optimization
- Structural integration and postural correction
Correct answer: Flushing techniques to reduce soreness and promote recovery
Post-event massage emphasizes gentle flushing strokes to enhance circulation, reduce soreness, and facilitate metabolic waste removal from fatigued muscles.
Question 4: When performing manual lymphatic drainage, the therapist should work in which direction relative to lymph nodes?
- Distal to proximal, always toward the nearest lymph node cluster (Correct answer)
- Proximal to distal, away from the heart
- From superficial to deep tissue layers
- Centrifugally from the spine outward
Correct answer: Distal to proximal, always toward the nearest lymph node cluster
Lymphatic drainage always flows distal to proximal, moving fluid toward the nearest regional lymph node clusters and ultimately toward the thoracic duct.
Question 5: Friction massage applied with circular movements to break up adhesions in tendons or ligaments is called:
- Longitudinal friction
- Transverse or cross-fiber friction (Correct answer)
- Circular effleurage
- Deep petrissage
Correct answer: Transverse or cross-fiber friction
Transverse or cross-fiber friction is applied perpendicular to tendon or ligament fibers to break adhesions and stimulate collagen remodeling.
Question 6: A client with fibromyalgia would MOST benefit from which massage approach?
- Deep tissue massage with heavy sustained pressure
- Light, gentle Swedish massage with careful pressure monitoring (Correct answer)
- Vigorous tapotement to stimulate circulation
- Cross-fiber friction on all major muscle groups
Correct answer: Light, gentle Swedish massage with careful pressure monitoring
Clients with fibromyalgia require gentle, light pressure massage as they have heightened pain sensitivity and can experience increased discomfort from deep or vigorous techniques.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of using a bolster during a massage session?
- To apply additional pressure to specific body regions
- To support body positioning and reduce joint stress (Correct answer)
- To facilitate lymphatic drainage in elevated limbs
- To create friction against the table surface
Correct answer: To support body positioning and reduce joint stress
Bolsters are positioning tools that support proper body alignment, reduce strain on joints, and improve client comfort during massage.
NCBTMB Massage Techniques and Modalities 5
In shiatsu massage, the therapist applies pressure along pathways called: