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
Which wrist position should massage therapists actively avoid to reduce risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Answer: Hyperflexion or hyperextension of the wrist during sustained pressure
Hyperflexion and hyperextension compress the carpal tunnel and the median nerve, making sustained pressure in these positions a primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
How many clinical massage hours per day is generally recommended to avoid overuse injuries for full-time therapists?
Answer: 4–5 hours
Most professional organizations recommend limiting hands-on massage to 4–5 hours per day to allow adequate recovery and prevent chronic overuse injuries.
Which core concept in massage body mechanics is described as 'letting gravity and body weight do the work rather than muscular effort'?
Answer: Passive weight transfer
Passive weight transfer means leaning into strokes using body weight rather than forcing pressure through muscular contraction, reducing fatigue and injury risk.
Which muscle group is most important for massage therapists to strengthen to maintain upright posture during long sessions?
Answer: Core stabilizers including the transversus abdominis
A strong core, especially the deep stabilizers, supports the lumbar spine and prevents the hunching and leaning that cause back pain in massage therapists.
Why is it important for massage therapists to take adequate breaks between clients?
Answer: To allow muscles and connective tissue to recover and prevent cumulative trauma
Rest between sessions allows muscular recovery and reduces the buildup of cumulative microtrauma that leads to overuse injuries over time.
Which type of self-care activity is most directly beneficial for preventing thumb and finger overuse in massage therapists?
Answer: Regular stretching and strengthening of intrinsic hand muscles
Stretching the flexor tendons and strengthening the intrinsic hand muscles maintains tissue health and counteracts the repetitive gripping and pressing of massage work.
What does 'leading with the body' mean when applying compressions during massage?
Answer: Using torso movement and weight shift to drive the hand into the tissue
Leading with the body means the therapist's torso moves forward first, transferring body weight through the contact point rather than pressing with arm strength alone.