, Question 1
Which statement best distinguishes the mechanical effect of a sustained
longitudinal stroke from that of a transverse friction massage on connective
tissue?
A. Longitudinal stroke increases tissue temperature and extensibility;
transverse friction promotes realignment of collagen fibers and reduces
adhesions.
B. Longitudinal stroke creates shearing forces that break cross-links;
transverse friction increases lymphatic drainage.
C. Longitudinal stroke stimulates Golgi tendon organs; transverse friction
inhibits muscle spindle activity.
D. Longitudinal stroke reduces edema via histamine release; transverse
friction induces vasoconstriction.
Correct Answer: A - Longitudinal stroke increases tissue
temperature and extensibility; transverse friction promotes
realignment of collagen fibers and reduces adhesions.
RATIONALE
Sustained longitudinal strokes (effleurage) generate heat and improve
tissue extensibility, while transverse friction (Cyriax) applies
perpendicular forces to remodel collagen and reduce adhesions. The
other options misattribute neurological or vascular effects not
primarily associated with these techniques.
Question 2
A client presents with acute lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy. Which
massage intervention is most appropriate during the acute phase?
A. Deep transverse friction over the herniated disc area
B. Prone positional release with gentle traction
C. High-velocity low-amplitude spinal manipulation
D. Intense myofascial release of the quadratus lumborum
Page 2
,Correct Answer: B - Prone positional release with gentle traction
RATIONALE
In acute disc herniation with radiculopathy, gentle positional release
and traction can reduce compression and pain without exacerbating
inflammation. Deep friction, manipulation, and intense myofascial
work are contraindicated due to risk of worsening the condition.
Question 3
During a session, a client reports a sudden onset of sharp chest pain, dyspnea,
and anxiety. What is the therapist's immediate priority?
A. Continue massage while monitoring vital signs
B. Stop the session and activate emergency medical services
C. Apply pressure to the diaphragm to relieve tension
D. Administer oxygen from the emergency kit
Correct Answer: B - Stop the session and activate emergency
medical services
RATIONALE
Sudden chest pain and dyspnea may indicate a myocardial infarction
or pulmonary embolism; the therapist must stop and call 911.
Continuing massage or applying pressure could worsen the condition,
and administering oxygen is outside the scope of practice.
Question 4
Which finding in a client's health history is an absolute contraindication for
deep tissue massage to the lower extremities?
A. Controlled hypertension
B. History of deep vein thrombosis
C. Type 2 diabetes with peripheral neuropathy
D. Osteoarthritis of the knee
Correct Answer: B - History of deep vein thrombosis
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Deep vein thrombosis is an absolute contraindication because massage
can dislodge a thrombus, causing embolism. Controlled hypertension,
neuropathy, and osteoarthritis are relative or local contraindications
requiring precautions, not absolute prohibitions.
Question 5
A client with fibromyalgia reports widespread pain and fatigue. Which
massage approach is most evidence-based for managing symptoms?
A. Deep tissue massage at maximum tolerable pressure
B. Myofascial release focusing on trigger points
C. Gentle Swedish massage with moderate pressure
D. Neuromuscular therapy with ischemic compression
Correct Answer: C - Gentle Swedish massage with moderate
pressure
RATIONALE
Research supports gentle Swedish massage with moderate pressure to
reduce pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia without exacerbating
symptoms. Deep tissue, myofascial release, and ischemic compression
may provoke pain and are not first-line.
Question 6
Which scenario best illustrates the ethical principle of veracity in massage
therapy practice?
A. Keeping a client's diagnosis confidential
B. Informing a client about the risks of a proposed technique
C. Refusing to treat a client who is rude
D. Providing a discount to a friend
Correct Answer: B - Informing a client about the risks of a
proposed technique
Page 4
Which statement best distinguishes the mechanical effect of a sustained
longitudinal stroke from that of a transverse friction massage on connective
tissue?
A. Longitudinal stroke increases tissue temperature and extensibility;
transverse friction promotes realignment of collagen fibers and reduces
adhesions.
B. Longitudinal stroke creates shearing forces that break cross-links;
transverse friction increases lymphatic drainage.
C. Longitudinal stroke stimulates Golgi tendon organs; transverse friction
inhibits muscle spindle activity.
D. Longitudinal stroke reduces edema via histamine release; transverse
friction induces vasoconstriction.
Correct Answer: A - Longitudinal stroke increases tissue
temperature and extensibility; transverse friction promotes
realignment of collagen fibers and reduces adhesions.
RATIONALE
Sustained longitudinal strokes (effleurage) generate heat and improve
tissue extensibility, while transverse friction (Cyriax) applies
perpendicular forces to remodel collagen and reduce adhesions. The
other options misattribute neurological or vascular effects not
primarily associated with these techniques.
Question 2
A client presents with acute lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy. Which
massage intervention is most appropriate during the acute phase?
A. Deep transverse friction over the herniated disc area
B. Prone positional release with gentle traction
C. High-velocity low-amplitude spinal manipulation
D. Intense myofascial release of the quadratus lumborum
Page 2
,Correct Answer: B - Prone positional release with gentle traction
RATIONALE
In acute disc herniation with radiculopathy, gentle positional release
and traction can reduce compression and pain without exacerbating
inflammation. Deep friction, manipulation, and intense myofascial
work are contraindicated due to risk of worsening the condition.
Question 3
During a session, a client reports a sudden onset of sharp chest pain, dyspnea,
and anxiety. What is the therapist's immediate priority?
A. Continue massage while monitoring vital signs
B. Stop the session and activate emergency medical services
C. Apply pressure to the diaphragm to relieve tension
D. Administer oxygen from the emergency kit
Correct Answer: B - Stop the session and activate emergency
medical services
RATIONALE
Sudden chest pain and dyspnea may indicate a myocardial infarction
or pulmonary embolism; the therapist must stop and call 911.
Continuing massage or applying pressure could worsen the condition,
and administering oxygen is outside the scope of practice.
Question 4
Which finding in a client's health history is an absolute contraindication for
deep tissue massage to the lower extremities?
A. Controlled hypertension
B. History of deep vein thrombosis
C. Type 2 diabetes with peripheral neuropathy
D. Osteoarthritis of the knee
Correct Answer: B - History of deep vein thrombosis
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Deep vein thrombosis is an absolute contraindication because massage
can dislodge a thrombus, causing embolism. Controlled hypertension,
neuropathy, and osteoarthritis are relative or local contraindications
requiring precautions, not absolute prohibitions.
Question 5
A client with fibromyalgia reports widespread pain and fatigue. Which
massage approach is most evidence-based for managing symptoms?
A. Deep tissue massage at maximum tolerable pressure
B. Myofascial release focusing on trigger points
C. Gentle Swedish massage with moderate pressure
D. Neuromuscular therapy with ischemic compression
Correct Answer: C - Gentle Swedish massage with moderate
pressure
RATIONALE
Research supports gentle Swedish massage with moderate pressure to
reduce pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia without exacerbating
symptoms. Deep tissue, myofascial release, and ischemic compression
may provoke pain and are not first-line.
Question 6
Which scenario best illustrates the ethical principle of veracity in massage
therapy practice?
A. Keeping a client's diagnosis confidential
B. Informing a client about the risks of a proposed technique
C. Refusing to treat a client who is rude
D. Providing a discount to a friend
Correct Answer: B - Informing a client about the risks of a
proposed technique
Page 4
