CCAT Manual Therapy Techniques 4

Question 1

A dog presents with reduced elbow extension following a condylar fracture repair. Which manual therapy approach would be MOST appropriate in the early post-operative phase?

Accepted Answer

Grade I-II joint mobilization and gentle PROM

Answer

In early post-operative phases, only gentle Grade I-II mobilizations and PROM within a pain-free range are appropriate to maintain mobility without stressing healing tissue.

Question 2

What is the primary mechanism by which massage reduces muscle spasm?

Accepted Answer

Mechanoreceptor stimulation that inhibits nociceptor signaling and promotes relaxation

Answer

Massage stimulates mechanoreceptors in skin and muscle that activate inhibitory interneurons, reducing pain signals and promoting parasympathetic-mediated muscle relaxation.

Question 3

Strain-counterstrain technique is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Passively positioning the animal in a position of comfort to resolve a tender point

Answer

Strain-counterstrain involves positioning the patient in a direction away from restriction (position of comfort) to reset aberrant proprioceptive activity and resolve tender points.

Question 4

Which lymphatic drainage technique would be MOST beneficial for a dog with post-surgical limb edema?

Accepted Answer

Light rhythmic strokes moving proximally toward lymph nodes

Answer

Manual lymphatic drainage uses very light, proximal-directed strokes to stimulate lymphatic vessel contraction and move fluid toward draining lymph nodes.

Question 5

When performing spinal mobilization on a cat, compared to a dog, the therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Use less force and smaller amplitude due to smaller body size and fragility

Answer

Cats require significantly less force and smaller amplitude movements due to their smaller size, and the therapist must account for their different temperament and anatomy.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Manual Therapy Techniques 4