Body Mechanics and Self-Care Flashcards
7 cards from real Massage Therapist practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Body Mechanics and Self-Care flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of proper body mechanics for massage therapists?
Answer: To prevent musculoskeletal injury and extend career longevity
Proper body mechanics protect the therapist from repetitive stress injuries and overuse, allowing for a long and sustainable massage career.
When performing table massage, which stance provides the best stability and power transfer?
Answer: Asymmetrical lunge stance with one foot forward
The asymmetrical lunge stance allows the therapist to shift body weight forward through the stroke, generating power from the legs rather than the arms.
During effleurage strokes, where should a massage therapist primarily generate force?
Answer: From the core and lower body
Force should originate from the core and lower body, transferring through the arms so that the smaller joints of the wrists and hands are protected.
The ideal massage table height is generally set so that the therapist's fists or palms, when hanging at their sides, are level with:
Answer: The surface of the table
A table set at fist or palm height allows the therapist to apply pressure downward with straight arms and an upright torso, minimizing back strain.
Which of the following is the most common repetitive stress injury among massage therapists?
Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by repetitive wrist flexion and overuse of the hands, is the most frequently reported occupational injury in massage therapists.
What does the term 'stacking joints' mean in massage therapy body mechanics?
Answer: Aligning joints vertically to transfer weight efficiently with minimal muscle effort
Stacking joints means aligning them vertically—such as wrist over elbow over shoulder—so gravity and body weight do the work rather than individual muscles.
Proper body mechanics during massage require the therapist's spine to be in what position?
Answer: Neutral alignment with natural curves maintained
Maintaining neutral spinal alignment preserves the natural curves of the spine and prevents chronic back pain from repeated postural stress.