CMT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How does soft tissue manipulation help patients? → By relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and relieving tension
2. Which muscles are primarily responsible for joint movement? → Skeletal muscles
3. The Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Borg scale ranges from: → 6 to 20
4. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is considered the 'gold standard' for evaluating treatment effectiveness because: → Random allocation controls for confounding variables, allowing causal inference
5. A positive straight leg raise (SLR) that reproduces radicular leg pain between 30° and 60° of hip flexion most strongly indicates: → Lumbar nerve root irritation
6. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) measures: → Fear of movement and re-injury in musculoskeletal pain patients
7. Adson's test is most appropriate for screening which condition? → Thoracic outlet syndrome
8. The McMurray test is designed to assess pathology of the: → Knee menisci
9. What is the primary goal of manual therapy techniques? → To reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing
10. Which finding on a neurological screen indicates an upper motor neuron lesion rather than lower motor neuron? → Hyperreflexia and positive Babinski sign
11. How does manual therapy contribute to the rehabilitation process? → By promoting quicker healing through hands-on techniques
12. What is the role of ethics in manual therapy? → To respect patient autonomy and confidentiality
13. Which of the following best describes the 'local twitch response' during trigger point therapy? → A brief, reflexive contraction of the taut band fibers when compressed or needled
14. How can manual therapy be integrated into a patient’s treatment plan? → By addressing pain, improving mobility, and restoring function
15. How often should a patient’s treatment plan be reassessed? → Periodically, to ensure continued effectiveness
16. In clinical documentation, a SOAP note format stands for: → Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
17. The straight leg raise (SLR) test is considered positive for sciatic nerve involvement when pain radiates below the knee at less than: → 60°
18. In the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) framework, 'activity limitations' refer to: → Difficulties an individual has in executing tasks or actions
19. A CMT should discontinue exercise and reassess when a patient reports which symptom during rehabilitation? → Sharp joint pain or dizziness during the exercise session
20. Hyporeflexia of the patellar tendon reflex is most associated with which nerve root level? → L3-L4
21. Why should a therapist obtain regular feedback from patients? → To improve treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction
22. Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) primarily addresses dysfunction by: → Normalizing neuromuscular firing patterns and releasing ischemic tissue
23. What is the importance of professionalism in manual therapy? → To ensure high-quality care and respect for patients
24. The 'nocebo effect' in patient education refers to: → Negative outcomes or worsening caused by negative expectations or harmful information
25. What is the role of risk management in manual therapy? → To identify risks and ensure safe practices
26. During an upper limb neurological screen, weakness in wrist extension most likely implicates which nerve root? → C7
27. During active release technique (ART), the therapist: → Applies specific tension while moving the tissue through its full range of motion
28. The 'functional movement screen' (FMS) is used in rehabilitation to: → Identify movement pattern dysfunctions and asymmetries that may predispose to injury
29. In evidence-based practice (EBP), clinical decisions should integrate: → Best available research, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences
30. Which technique involves applying sustained pressure into a myofascial restriction until tissue release occurs? → Direct myofascial release