PMC Special Populations & Clinical Applications 2

Question 1

For children who have experienced trauma, which massage approach is most consistent with trauma-informed care principles?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing client control, choice, and transparency about every touch

Answer

Proceeding with standard protocols to establish normalcy

Answer

Avoiding any verbal communication during sessions

Answer

Performing massage without a parent present to reduce shame

Question 2

A child with torticollis (wry neck) would benefit from massage focused primarily on:

Accepted Answer

The shortened, contracted sternocleidomastoid and surrounding muscles on the affected side

Answer

Both trapezii muscles symmetrically

Answer

The cervical spine's bony structures

Answer

Only the opposite (unaffected) side to balance tension

Question 3

Abdominal massage for children with constipation should be performed using:

Accepted Answer

Clockwise, gentle effleurage following the colon path

Answer

Counterclockwise, deep kneading strokes

Answer

Rapid tapotement over the lower abdomen

Answer

Deep cross-fiber friction over the sigmoid colon

Question 4

For an infant with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), positioning during massage should include:

Accepted Answer

Head-elevated positioning to reduce reflux episodes during massage

Answer

Flat supine positioning throughout

Answer

Prone positioning immediately after feeding

Answer

Left lateral recumbent positioning only

Question 5

For children with asthma who are not in an acute episode, massage therapy has been shown to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce anxiety, improve peak flow, and decrease asthma symptoms over time

Answer

Permanently cure airway hyperreactivity

Answer

Replace bronchodilator medication

Answer

Increase mucus production as a healing response

Question 6

Children with Down syndrome who receive regular massage therapy may show improvements in:

Accepted Answer

Muscle tone, circulation, and body awareness

Answer

Chromosomal structure

Answer

Language development exclusively

Answer

Cognitive IQ scores directly