FREE Massage Therapist Massage Techniques and Effects Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 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 6 FREE Massage Therapist Massage Techniques and Effects Questions and Answers flashcards as text
Which massage technique involves lifting and squeezing muscle tissue away from the bone?
Answer: Petrissage
Petrissage consists of kneading, lifting, and squeezing soft tissue away from underlying structures.
What is the primary physiological effect of applying deep transverse friction to a tendon?
Answer: Breaking adhesions and promoting collagen realignment
Deep transverse friction breaks down adhesions between collagen fibers and encourages proper realignment during healing.
A client presents with increased sympathetic nervous system activity. Which technique is MOST appropriate to promote parasympathetic dominance?
Answer: Slow, rhythmic effleurage
Slow, rhythmic effleurage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones.
During a massage session, the therapist notices localized ischemia followed by reactive hyperemia. What technique most likely caused this response?
Answer: Sustained digital compression on a trigger point
Sustained compression temporarily restricts blood flow (ischemia), and upon release, increased blood rushes to the area (reactive hyperemia).
Which of the following is a mechanical effect of massage rather than a reflexive effect?
Answer: Manually pushing venous blood toward the heart
Physically moving venous blood toward the heart is a direct mechanical effect of pressure and stroking direction.
What is the correct application direction for effleurage strokes when the goal is to enhance venous return?
Answer: Distal to proximal, toward the heart
Effleurage performed from distal to proximal follows the direction of venous blood flow back to the heart.