Massage Therapist Client Assessment and Treatment 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 Massage Therapist Client Assessment and Treatment Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A client seeking treatment for IT band syndrome reports pain along the lateral thigh during running. Which additional assessment finding would be most useful in developing the treatment plan?
Answer: Hip abductor strength and gluteus medius activation patterns
Weak hip abductors and poor gluteus medius activation are primary contributing factors to IT band syndrome that directly inform treatment.
During palpation of the cervical region, a massage therapist identifies a taut band with a hypersensitive nodule in the upper trapezius that reproduces the client's familiar headache pattern. This finding is best described as a:
Answer: Trigger point with a referral pattern
A taut band with a hypersensitive nodule that reproduces a recognizable pain pattern is the clinical definition of an active trigger point.
A massage therapist is treating a client recovering from a grade 2 ankle sprain that occurred three weeks ago. The ankle still shows mild swelling. Which treatment approach is most appropriate?
Answer: Gentle lymphatic drainage techniques proximal to the injury followed by light effleurage around the ankle
Lymphatic drainage proximal to the injury and gentle techniques around the ankle safely reduce swelling without disrupting healing tissue.
Which documentation method follows the SOAP note format correctly for recording a massage therapy session?
Answer: Subjective: client reports 6/10 low back pain; Objective: hypertonicity noted in QL bilaterally; Assessment: improved ROM post-treatment; Plan: follow up in one week with focus on hip flexors
Correct SOAP format records the client's subjective report, objective clinical findings, the therapist's assessment of progress, and the future treatment plan.
A new client indicates on their intake form that they have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Which treatment modification is most important during the initial session?
Answer: Begin with lighter pressure than typical and check in frequently about comfort levels
Fibromyalgia clients often have heightened pain sensitivity, making lighter initial pressure with frequent communication essential for a safe first session.
A massage therapist notices during visual assessment that a client's right shoulder is significantly elevated compared to the left. Before beginning treatment, what is the most important next step?
Answer: Ask the client about their history, including any structural conditions such as scoliosis or previous injuries
Gathering history about potential structural causes ensures the therapist does not attempt to correct a postural pattern that may be anatomical rather than muscular.