PMC Massage Techniques for Children 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of using the 'open book' technique on an infant's chest?
- To stimulate digestion
- To stretch intercostal muscles and support breathing (Correct answer)
- To release neck tension
- To assess spinal alignment
Correct answer: To stretch intercostal muscles and support breathing
The open book technique gently sweeps outward across the chest to expand the ribcage and support respiratory function.
Question 2: Tapotement techniques (percussion) are generally:
- The preferred opening stroke for infants
- Contraindicated for infants under 6 months (Correct answer)
- Effective for colic relief in all ages
- Applied directly over the spine
Correct answer: Contraindicated for infants under 6 months
Tapotement is generally contraindicated for infants under 6 months due to their neurological immaturity and fragility.
Question 3: In pediatric facial massage, thumb circles on the sinuses are typically used to:
- Stimulate hair growth
- Relieve sinus congestion and headaches (Correct answer)
- Improve jaw alignment
- Reduce fever
Correct answer: Relieve sinus congestion and headaches
Gentle circular pressure over the sinus areas can improve drainage and relieve congestion and associated headache pain in children.
Question 4: Which position is safest for massaging a newborn's back?
- Supine (on their back)
- Prone (on their stomach) with head turned to side (Correct answer)
- Seated in a bouncy chair
- Side-lying with head elevated
Correct answer: Prone (on their stomach) with head turned to side
Prone positioning with the head turned to the side allows back massage while maintaining a patent airway in newborns.
Question 5: The 'thumb press' technique on infant feet is used primarily to:
- Stimulate reflexology points and improve circulation (Correct answer)
- Assess bone density
- Reduce foot edema
- Strengthen the plantar fascia
Correct answer: Stimulate reflexology points and improve circulation
Gentle thumb presses across the sole stimulate reflexology zones and improve circulation in the infant's feet.
Question 6: Petrissage on an infant should be performed with:
- Deep, kneading pressure similar to adult massage
- Very light, gentle kneading using fingertips only (Correct answer)
- Rapid alternating hand pressure
- No petrissage at any age under 3
Correct answer: Very light, gentle kneading using fingertips only
Petrissage on infants uses only fingertip or gentle two-finger kneading to avoid damaging delicate muscle fibers and growth plates.
PMC Massage Techniques for Children 2
What is the primary purpose of using the 'open book' technique on an infant's chest?