FREE Massage Therapist Massage Techniques and Effects Questions and Answers

Question 1

A therapist uses a series of brisk, percussive movements including hacking, cupping, and tapping to stimulate a client's muscles before an athletic event.
What is the general classification for this type of massage stroke?

Accepted Answer

Tapotement

Answer

Petrissage

Answer

Friction

Answer

Vibration

Question 2

A client presents with a palpable, taut band of muscle tissue in the upper trapezius that refers pain to the side of the head when compressed. To specifically address this trigger point, which technique is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Ischemic compression

Answer

Rapid tapotement

Answer

Superficial effleurage

Answer

Joint mobilization

Question 3

When applying deep, centripetal effleurage strokes to a client's limbs, what is the primary mechanical effect on the circulatory system?

Accepted Answer

Assisting venous and lymphatic return

Answer

Increasing arterial blood pressure

Answer

Constricting superficial capillaries

Answer

Decreasing the number of red blood cells

Question 4

During a session, a therapist passively stretches a client's tight hamstring to the first point of resistance. The therapist then asks the client to gently contract the hamstring against the therapist's static resistance for several seconds. After the contraction, the client relaxes, and the therapist is able to move the limb into a deeper stretch. This technique is an application of which physiological principle?

Accepted Answer

Autogenic inhibition

Answer

Reciprocal inhibition

Answer

Isokinetic contraction

Answer

Ballistic stretching

Question 5

Which of the following is considered a primary reflexive effect of massage therapy, as opposed to a mechanical effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased parasympathetic nervous system activity

Answer

Stretching of fascial tissue

Answer

Breaking down of fibrous adhesions

Answer

Increased localized blood flow from friction

Question 6

A massage therapist is working with a client who is feeling anxious and reports high levels of stress. To promote a state of deep relaxation, what is the most appropriate modification to the therapist's effleurage and petrissage strokes?

Accepted Answer

Decrease the speed and maintain a slow, rhythmic pace

Answer

Increase the speed and depth of the strokes

Answer

Use a fast, superficial pace to stimulate the skin

Answer

Perform the strokes in a rapid and unpredictable rhythm

A therapist uses a series of brisk, percussive movements including hacking, cupping, and tapping to stimulate a client's muscles before an athletic event.What is the general classification for this type of massage stroke?

A therapist uses a series of brisk, percussive movements including hacking, cupping, and tapping to stimulate a client's muscles before an athletic event.
What is the general classification for this type of massage stroke?