PMC Massage Techniques for Children 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stroke is most appropriate to begin an infant massage session?
- Deep petrissage
- Light effleurage (Correct answer)
- Friction
- Tapotement
Correct answer: Light effleurage
Light effleurage (gentle gliding strokes) is used to introduce touch, warm the tissues, and assess the infant's response before deeper work.
Question 2: The 'Indian milking' stroke used in infant leg massage moves in which direction?
- Distal to proximal (foot to hip)
- Proximal to distal (hip to foot) (Correct answer)
- Circular around the knee
- Transverse across the thigh
Correct answer: Proximal to distal (hip to foot)
Indian milking moves from the hip down to the foot, following the direction of lymphatic and venous drainage.
Question 3: When massaging the abdomen of an infant for colic relief, strokes should follow which direction?
- Counterclockwise
- Clockwise (Correct answer)
- Superior to inferior
- Random circular
Correct answer: Clockwise
Clockwise abdominal strokes follow the natural direction of peristalsis in the large intestine and help move gas and relieve colic.
Question 4: What is 'Swedish milking' in the context of infant massage?
- A stroke moving distal to proximal (Correct answer)
- A stroke moving proximal to distal
- A petrissage technique on the back
- A thumb-walking technique on the feet
Correct answer: A stroke moving distal to proximal
Swedish milking moves from the foot up toward the hip (distal to proximal), supporting venous return toward the heart.
Question 5: The 'rolling' technique in infant leg massage involves:
- Rolling the leg like a log between both palms (Correct answer)
- Applying circular pressure with thumbs
- Rocking the thigh side to side
- Rapidly vibrating the tissue
Correct answer: Rolling the leg like a log between both palms
Rolling involves placing the leg between both palms and rolling it back and forth to mobilize soft tissue and increase circulation.
Question 6: Which technique is specifically used to address muscle tension and trigger points in older children during PMC practice?
- Light effleurage
- Sustained compression/ischemic pressure (Correct answer)
- Tapotement
- Superficial lymphatic drainage
Correct answer: Sustained compression/ischemic pressure
Sustained compression or ischemic pressure is applied to hyperirritable points in older children's muscles to reduce trigger point activity.
PMC Massage Techniques for Children 1
Which stroke is most appropriate to begin an infant massage session?