CMT CMT Soft Tissue Mobilization & Myofascial Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The piezoelectric effect in connective tissue refers to:
- Electrical charges produced by mechanical stress on collagen fibers (Correct answer)
- Heat generation during deep tissue work
- Fluid exchange between muscle cells
- Reflex arc activation during stretching
Correct answer: Electrical charges produced by mechanical stress on collagen fibers
The piezoelectric effect describes how mechanical stress on collagen fibers generates small electrical charges that influence tissue remodeling.
Question 2: Which layer of fascia directly surrounds individual muscle fibers?
- Epimysium
- Perimysium
- Endomysium (Correct answer)
- Deep fascia
Correct answer: Endomysium
The endomysium is the innermost fascial layer that surrounds each individual muscle fiber.
Question 3: During active release technique (ART), the therapist:
- Applies ice while the patient contracts the muscle
- Applies specific tension while moving the tissue through its full range of motion (Correct answer)
- Stretches the muscle passively without patient involvement
- Uses vibration tools to release adhesions
Correct answer: Applies specific tension while moving the tissue through its full range of motion
ART combines specific contact tension with active patient movement through full ROM to break down adhesions.
Question 4: Graston Technique and similar IASTM tools work primarily by:
- Compressing joint surfaces to reset proprioception
- Using instrument edges to detect and treat soft tissue fibrosis and restrictions (Correct answer)
- Electrically stimulating muscle fibers to reduce spasm
- Applying heat directly to adhesions
Correct answer: Using instrument edges to detect and treat soft tissue fibrosis and restrictions
IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) uses tools to detect and break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue.
Question 5: Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) in soft tissue therapy is based on which neurological principle?
- Reciprocal inhibition of the antagonist
- Autogenic inhibition following isometric contraction of the target muscle (Correct answer)
- Stretch reflex activation
- Gate control theory of pain
Correct answer: Autogenic inhibition following isometric contraction of the target muscle
PIR uses autogenic inhibition — after an isometric contraction the Golgi tendon organ inhibits the same muscle, allowing it to lengthen.
Question 6: Which assessment finding best indicates the presence of a myofascial trigger point?
- Crepitus on passive joint motion
- A local twitch response and referred pain pattern on palpation (Correct answer)
- Increased bone tenderness on percussion
- Hypermobility in adjacent joints
Correct answer: A local twitch response and referred pain pattern on palpation
Active trigger points characteristically produce a local twitch response and a predictable referred pain pattern when palpated.
CMT CMT Soft Tissue Mobilization & Myofascial Techniques 2
The piezoelectric effect in connective tissue refers to: