SWEDISH MASSAGE THERAPY
MASTERY 200 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS EXAM PREP BOLD
ANSWERS PLUS ITALIC RATIONALES
MBLEX NCBTMB STATE BOARDS
DOCSITY EXCLUSIVE
Swedish Massage Therapy – A+ Mastery Exam Prep
1. A massage therapist is preparing to perform a Swedish massage
session on a new client who reports chronic stress, tension headaches,
and difficulty sleeping. The therapist reviews the intake form and notes
no contraindications. Which of the following physiological effects should
the therapist primarily expect from applying long, gliding effleurage
strokes toward the heart at the beginning of the session?
A) Increased sympathetic nervous system activity and elevated heart rate
B) Enhanced venous and lymphatic return, promoting
relaxation and reducing edema
C) Immediate breakdown of adhesions in deep muscle layers
D) Stimulation of nociceptors to increase pain perception
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Effleurage, the foundational Swedish massage stroke, involves long,
gliding movements typically directed toward the heart. This technique
mechanically assists venous and lymphatic flow, reducing fluid
stagnation and promoting parasympathetic dominance, which
supports relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep. It does not
primarily target deep adhesions or increase sympathetic activity.
2. During a Swedish massage session, a therapist applies rhythmic
kneading, lifting, and squeezing motions to the client's trapezius
muscles. The client reports feeling a "deep release" of tension. Which
,Swedish massage stroke is the therapist primarily using, and what is its
primary physiological effect?
A) Tapotement; stimulates nerve endings and increases alertness
B) Petrissage; enhances circulation, releases muscle tension,
and mobilizes soft tissues
C) Friction; breaks down adhesions in tendons and ligaments
D) Vibration; calms the nervous system through oscillatory movement
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Petrissage involves kneading, lifting, squeezing, and rolling soft tissues.
Its primary effects include increasing local circulation, releasing
hypertonic muscles, mobilizing fascial restrictions, and promoting
metabolic waste removal. This differs from tapotement (percussive),
friction (cross-fiber), and vibration (oscillatory).
3. A client presents with acute inflammation in the right ankle following
a sprain 24 hours ago. The client requests a full-body Swedish massage.
According to standard contraindication guidelines, what is the
therapist's most appropriate action?
A) Proceed with the massage but avoid the ankle area
B) Postpone the full-body session and recommend gentle
lymphatic drainage only after acute inflammation subsides
C) Apply deep friction to the ankle to accelerate healing
D) Use hot stones over the ankle to increase blood flow
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Acute inflammation (within 24-72 hours) is a local contraindication for
Swedish massage, particularly deep pressure or techniques that
increase circulation to the area, as this may exacerbate swelling and
delay healing. Gentle lymphatic techniques may be appropriate later in
the subacute phase, but postponing the full session is the safest initial
approach.
4. A massage therapist is explaining the benefits of Swedish massage to a
client with fibromyalgia. Which of the following statements accurately
reflects evidence-based outcomes of Swedish massage for this
population?
,A) "Swedish massage will cure your fibromyalgia by eliminating trigger
points permanently."
B) "Research suggests Swedish massage may help reduce pain,
improve sleep quality, and decrease anxiety in individuals
with fibromyalgia, though effects are typically temporary and
require ongoing sessions."
C) "Deep tissue Swedish massage is contraindicated for fibromyalgia
because it always worsens symptoms."
D) "Swedish massage has no proven benefit for fibromyalgia and should
be avoided."
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Evidence indicates that Swedish massage can provide symptomatic
relief for fibromyalgia, including reduced pain perception, improved
sleep, and lowered anxiety. However, benefits are generally short-term
and require maintenance sessions. Claims of cure or universal
contraindication are not supported by current research.
5. When performing effleurage on the posterior leg, a therapist notices
the client's skin is cool, pale, and the client reports numbness in the foot.
Which of the following actions is most appropriate?
A) Continue the massage but use lighter pressure
B) Stop the massage on that limb, assess circulation, and refer
the client to a healthcare provider if symptoms persist
C) Apply deep friction to stimulate blood flow
D) Switch to tapotement to "wake up" the nerves
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Cool, pale skin with numbness may indicate compromised circulation
or neurological involvement (e.g., peripheral artery disease, nerve
compression). Continuing massage could worsen the condition. The
therapist should stop, assess, and refer if symptoms do not resolve
immediately. This aligns with scope of practice and client safety
protocols.
6. A therapist is teaching a student the proper hand position for
effleurage. Which of the following descriptions is MOST accurate for
maintaining therapist body mechanics and effective stroke delivery?
, A) Fingers splayed wide with rigid wrists to maximize surface area
B) Hands relaxed, fingers together, wrists neutral, using the
entire palmar surface with pressure generated from the
therapist's core and legs
C) Fingertips only, with elbows locked for precise pressure control
D) Heel of the hand only, with shoulders elevated for deeper penetration
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Proper effleurage technique involves relaxed hands, fingers together,
neutral wrists, and pressure generated from the therapist's body
weight (core and legs), not isolated arm strength. This preserves
therapist longevity and ensures smooth, consistent stroke delivery.
Rigid or isolated hand positions increase fatigue and reduce stroke
quality.
7. A client with hypertension (well-controlled with medication) requests
a Swedish massage. Which of the following modifications should the
therapist prioritize to ensure client safety?
A) Avoid all massage to the head and neck region
B) Use moderate pressure, avoid rapid positional changes, and
monitor for dizziness; avoid stimulating techniques like
vigorous tapotement
C) Apply deep pressure to the legs to "pull blood away" from the heart
D) Use only cold compresses to constrict blood vessels
CORRECT ANSWER: B
For clients with controlled hypertension, Swedish massage is generally
safe with modifications: moderate pressure, gradual position changes
to prevent orthostatic hypotension, and avoidance of overly stimulating
techniques. Deep pressure or aggressive techniques may cause
unpredictable blood pressure fluctuations. Collaboration with the
client's healthcare provider is advised for complex cases.
8. During petrissage of the quadriceps, a therapist feels a small, tender
nodule within the muscle belly. The client reports it has been present for
weeks without injury. What is the therapist's most appropriate response?
A) Apply deep friction directly to the nodule to break it up immediately
B) Note the finding, avoid aggressive work on the area, and
MASTERY 200 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS EXAM PREP BOLD
ANSWERS PLUS ITALIC RATIONALES
MBLEX NCBTMB STATE BOARDS
DOCSITY EXCLUSIVE
Swedish Massage Therapy – A+ Mastery Exam Prep
1. A massage therapist is preparing to perform a Swedish massage
session on a new client who reports chronic stress, tension headaches,
and difficulty sleeping. The therapist reviews the intake form and notes
no contraindications. Which of the following physiological effects should
the therapist primarily expect from applying long, gliding effleurage
strokes toward the heart at the beginning of the session?
A) Increased sympathetic nervous system activity and elevated heart rate
B) Enhanced venous and lymphatic return, promoting
relaxation and reducing edema
C) Immediate breakdown of adhesions in deep muscle layers
D) Stimulation of nociceptors to increase pain perception
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Effleurage, the foundational Swedish massage stroke, involves long,
gliding movements typically directed toward the heart. This technique
mechanically assists venous and lymphatic flow, reducing fluid
stagnation and promoting parasympathetic dominance, which
supports relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep. It does not
primarily target deep adhesions or increase sympathetic activity.
2. During a Swedish massage session, a therapist applies rhythmic
kneading, lifting, and squeezing motions to the client's trapezius
muscles. The client reports feeling a "deep release" of tension. Which
,Swedish massage stroke is the therapist primarily using, and what is its
primary physiological effect?
A) Tapotement; stimulates nerve endings and increases alertness
B) Petrissage; enhances circulation, releases muscle tension,
and mobilizes soft tissues
C) Friction; breaks down adhesions in tendons and ligaments
D) Vibration; calms the nervous system through oscillatory movement
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Petrissage involves kneading, lifting, squeezing, and rolling soft tissues.
Its primary effects include increasing local circulation, releasing
hypertonic muscles, mobilizing fascial restrictions, and promoting
metabolic waste removal. This differs from tapotement (percussive),
friction (cross-fiber), and vibration (oscillatory).
3. A client presents with acute inflammation in the right ankle following
a sprain 24 hours ago. The client requests a full-body Swedish massage.
According to standard contraindication guidelines, what is the
therapist's most appropriate action?
A) Proceed with the massage but avoid the ankle area
B) Postpone the full-body session and recommend gentle
lymphatic drainage only after acute inflammation subsides
C) Apply deep friction to the ankle to accelerate healing
D) Use hot stones over the ankle to increase blood flow
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Acute inflammation (within 24-72 hours) is a local contraindication for
Swedish massage, particularly deep pressure or techniques that
increase circulation to the area, as this may exacerbate swelling and
delay healing. Gentle lymphatic techniques may be appropriate later in
the subacute phase, but postponing the full session is the safest initial
approach.
4. A massage therapist is explaining the benefits of Swedish massage to a
client with fibromyalgia. Which of the following statements accurately
reflects evidence-based outcomes of Swedish massage for this
population?
,A) "Swedish massage will cure your fibromyalgia by eliminating trigger
points permanently."
B) "Research suggests Swedish massage may help reduce pain,
improve sleep quality, and decrease anxiety in individuals
with fibromyalgia, though effects are typically temporary and
require ongoing sessions."
C) "Deep tissue Swedish massage is contraindicated for fibromyalgia
because it always worsens symptoms."
D) "Swedish massage has no proven benefit for fibromyalgia and should
be avoided."
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Evidence indicates that Swedish massage can provide symptomatic
relief for fibromyalgia, including reduced pain perception, improved
sleep, and lowered anxiety. However, benefits are generally short-term
and require maintenance sessions. Claims of cure or universal
contraindication are not supported by current research.
5. When performing effleurage on the posterior leg, a therapist notices
the client's skin is cool, pale, and the client reports numbness in the foot.
Which of the following actions is most appropriate?
A) Continue the massage but use lighter pressure
B) Stop the massage on that limb, assess circulation, and refer
the client to a healthcare provider if symptoms persist
C) Apply deep friction to stimulate blood flow
D) Switch to tapotement to "wake up" the nerves
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Cool, pale skin with numbness may indicate compromised circulation
or neurological involvement (e.g., peripheral artery disease, nerve
compression). Continuing massage could worsen the condition. The
therapist should stop, assess, and refer if symptoms do not resolve
immediately. This aligns with scope of practice and client safety
protocols.
6. A therapist is teaching a student the proper hand position for
effleurage. Which of the following descriptions is MOST accurate for
maintaining therapist body mechanics and effective stroke delivery?
, A) Fingers splayed wide with rigid wrists to maximize surface area
B) Hands relaxed, fingers together, wrists neutral, using the
entire palmar surface with pressure generated from the
therapist's core and legs
C) Fingertips only, with elbows locked for precise pressure control
D) Heel of the hand only, with shoulders elevated for deeper penetration
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Proper effleurage technique involves relaxed hands, fingers together,
neutral wrists, and pressure generated from the therapist's body
weight (core and legs), not isolated arm strength. This preserves
therapist longevity and ensures smooth, consistent stroke delivery.
Rigid or isolated hand positions increase fatigue and reduce stroke
quality.
7. A client with hypertension (well-controlled with medication) requests
a Swedish massage. Which of the following modifications should the
therapist prioritize to ensure client safety?
A) Avoid all massage to the head and neck region
B) Use moderate pressure, avoid rapid positional changes, and
monitor for dizziness; avoid stimulating techniques like
vigorous tapotement
C) Apply deep pressure to the legs to "pull blood away" from the heart
D) Use only cold compresses to constrict blood vessels
CORRECT ANSWER: B
For clients with controlled hypertension, Swedish massage is generally
safe with modifications: moderate pressure, gradual position changes
to prevent orthostatic hypotension, and avoidance of overly stimulating
techniques. Deep pressure or aggressive techniques may cause
unpredictable blood pressure fluctuations. Collaboration with the
client's healthcare provider is advised for complex cases.
8. During petrissage of the quadriceps, a therapist feels a small, tender
nodule within the muscle belly. The client reports it has been present for
weeks without injury. What is the therapist's most appropriate response?
A) Apply deep friction directly to the nodule to break it up immediately
B) Note the finding, avoid aggressive work on the area, and
