AMTA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AMTA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which document legally establishes the terms under which a client receives massage services, including consent and policies? → A client service agreement or informed consent form
2. In research, 'statistically significant' findings mean: → The results are unlikely to have occurred by chance alone
3. Massage is generally contraindicated during which trimester of pregnancy according to many practitioners, due to increased miscarriage risk? → First trimester
4. Which of the following outcomes is MOST supported by existing massage therapy research? → Short-term reduction of anxiety and perceived stress
5. Which condition requires physician clearance before massage may be performed? → Recent heart surgery or cardiac event
6. The movement of the sole towards the median plane: → Inversion
7. A client reports pain that is described as 'burning and shooting down the leg.' This symptom pattern MOST suggests: → Nerve involvement or radiculopathy
8. Client records and personal health information must be kept confidential under: → HIPAA regulations
9. Which massage modality is based on the theory that reflex areas on the feet correspond to organs and body parts? → Reflexology
10. The long shaft of a bone is called ____________________. → Diaphysis
11. A client presents with fibromyalgia. Which approach is MOST appropriate? → Light to moderate pressure with attentive pacing based on client feedback
12. A cancellation policy should PRIMARILY be included in which document shared with clients? → Client intake and service agreement
13. A client reports having lymphedema in the right arm. Which technique is most appropriate for this area? → Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
14. Hot packs used in hydrotherapy treatments should ALWAYS be wrapped in which way before application? → Wrapped in multiple layers of toweling to prevent burns
15. Which of the following is a legal requirement for most massage therapy businesses regarding employee records? → Maintaining accurate payroll and tax withholding records
16. Which of the following conditions is a LOCAL contraindication requiring the therapist to avoid only the specific area? → Skin rash of unknown origin over one leg
17. Which massage stroke uses long, gliding movements applied with the palms and is typically used to begin and end a massage session? → Effleurage
18. Which Swedish massage stroke is best used to address specific muscle adhesions and scar tissue? → Friction
19. Which cardiovascular condition requires physician clearance and modified massage with no stimulating techniques? → Recent myocardial infarction (within 4 weeks)
20. Cold application (cryotherapy) is MOST indicated in which situation? → During acute inflammation immediately following injury
21. Structural integration (Rolfing) focuses primarily on realigning which tissue system? → Fascia and connective tissue
22. The main purpose of draping is ______. → to help the client feel comfortable and safe with professional boundaries.
23. Shiatsu massage is rooted in which traditional healing system? → Traditional Chinese Medicine
24. The term 'placebo effect' in massage research refers to: → Improvement due to client expectation or belief rather than the specific intervention
25. Which of the following is the safest approach when performing massage on a pediatric client? → Obtain parental or guardian consent and use very light, gentle strokes
26. Which of the following is required in MOST US states before practicing massage therapy legally? → A state-issued massage therapy license
27. Which principle guides therapists to act in the BEST interest of the client, even at personal cost? → Beneficence
28. A therapeutic relationship is BEST characterized by which of the following? → The therapist holding a position of trust and authority to serve the client's wellbeing
29. A client with osteoporosis requires which modification to massage? → Lighter pressure and avoidance of heavy compressive techniques over affected bones
30. Which of the following BEST describes the 'Plan' section of a SOAP note? → Treatment goals, frequency of sessions, and proposed future techniques