Mixed Deck — All CMT Topics Flashcards

In osteoarthritis, the primary pathological change occurs in which tissue?

Answer: Articular cartilage

Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive degradation of articular cartilage, leading to joint space narrowing and pain.

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for an outcome measure represents:

Answer: The smallest change in score that patients perceive as meaningful improvement

MCID is the smallest change in an outcome score that is perceived as meaningful and worthwhile by the patient, distinguishing clinical from statistical significance.

Which nerve passes through the carpal tunnel and is commonly compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer: Median nerve

The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel and innervates the thenar muscles and lateral three-and-a-half digits.

Continuing education (CE) requirements for CMTs primarily serve to:

Answer: Ensure practitioners maintain current knowledge and competency

CE requirements ensure that manual therapists remain current with evolving evidence, techniques, and safety standards to protect the public.

Which mobilization technique uses oscillatory movements at the end of the available range to increase joint mobility?

Answer: Grade IV Maitland mobilization

Grade IV Maitland mobilizations are small-amplitude oscillations performed at the end of the available range to stretch stiff joints.

Which of the following best describes a Grade V manipulation (thrust technique)?

Answer: High-velocity low-amplitude thrust at the end of range

Grade V manipulation is a high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust delivered at or near the end of the available range to restore joint motion.

The straight leg raise (SLR) test is considered positive for sciatic nerve involvement when pain radiates below the knee at less than:

Answer: 60°

A positive SLR is indicated when sciatic pain radiates below the knee at less than 60° of hip flexion.

What is the primary goal of myofascial release (MFR) in manual therapy?

Answer: Release fascial restrictions to restore mobility and reduce pain

Myofascial release targets fascial restrictions to restore normal tissue mobility and alleviate pain.

A Grade II ligament sprain is defined by:

Answer: Partial tearing with some functional loss and laxity

A Grade II sprain involves partial tearing of ligament fibers, resulting in some functional loss, pain, swelling, and measurable but not gross laxity.

Why is it important for manual therapists to understand anatomy?

Answer: To prescribe medications

A deep understanding of anatomy is essential for manual therapists, particularly if their scope of practice included medication prescription. Knowledge of specific anatomical structures allows them to accurately assess how medications might target or affect particular muscles, nerves, or joints. This precision ensures that any prescribed medication is appropriate for the diagnosed anatomical issue, optimizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.

Which action is required when a client reveals information suggesting they are in immediate danger of harming themselves?

Answer: Contact emergency services or the appropriate crisis resource

Imminent risk of self-harm is a mandatory exception to confidentiality, requiring immediate action to ensure client safety.

Why is safety important in manual therapy?

Answer: To ensure techniques are safe and effective

Safety is paramount in manual therapy to protect the patient from harm and ensure the efficacy of interventions. Therapists must apply techniques correctly and appropriately to avoid injury, exacerbation of conditions, or other adverse reactions. Prioritizing safety builds patient trust and upholds professional standards of care.

In Kaltenborn's approach, what is the resting (loose-packed) position of the glenohumeral joint?

Answer: 70° abduction and 10° horizontal adduction

The resting position of the glenohumeral joint is approximately 70° abduction and 10° horizontal adduction, where joint congruency is minimal.

What is the role of ethics in manual therapy?

Answer: To respect patient autonomy and confidentiality

Ethics in manual therapy are fundamental for establishing a trustworthy and respectful therapeutic relationship. Respecting patient autonomy means involving them in decisions about their care, while confidentiality protects their personal health information. Adhering to these ethical principles ensures professional conduct and safeguards patient rights and well-being.

In strain-counterstrain technique, the position of ease is typically held for how long?

Answer: 90 seconds

Strain-counterstrain requires holding the position of ease for 90 seconds to allow muscle spindle resetting and pain inhibition.

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for manual therapy?

Answer: Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Acute DVT is an absolute contraindication because manual therapy could dislodge a clot and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

What is the role of continuing education in manual therapy?

Answer: To stay updated on techniques, safety, and ethics

Continuing education is crucial for manual therapists to remain competent and provide the best possible care. It allows them to stay updated on the latest research, techniques, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines in their evolving field. This ongoing learning ensures that therapists can adapt to new knowledge and maintain high standards of practice.

According to the convex-concave rule, when the concave joint surface moves on the stationary convex surface, the roll and glide occur in:

Answer: The same direction

When the concave surface moves, roll and glide occur in the same direction as the bone movement (unlike concave-on-convex).

The rotator cuff muscle that initiates shoulder abduction by depressing the humeral head is the:

Answer: Supraspinatus

Supraspinatus initiates the first 15–30 degrees of abduction and works to depress the humeral head in the glenoid.

What is the significance of cultural competence in manual therapy?

Answer: To respect and understand cultural diversity

Cultural competence in manual therapy is significant because it enables therapists to provide respectful and effective care tailored to each patient's unique background. Understanding and respecting cultural diversity helps therapists communicate better, build trust, and avoid misunderstandings that could impact treatment adherence and outcomes. This leads to more inclusive and equitable healthcare.