Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Benefits and Effects of Massage 5

Question 1

Which psychological benefit of massage is most supported by research involving massage and neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

Reduced anxiety and improved mood linked to increased dopamine and serotonin

Answer

Research consistently shows massage increases dopamine and serotonin levels while decreasing cortisol, correlating with reduced anxiety and improved mood.

Question 2

A massage therapist is working with a client who has edema in the lower leg following minor injury. In which direction should lymphatic drainage techniques be applied?

Accepted Answer

Proximally, toward the regional lymph nodes, to encourage drainage

Answer

Lymphatic drainage techniques must always move fluid proximally toward regional lymph nodes, following the natural flow direction of the lymphatic system.

Question 3

Which effect of massage on the respiratory system makes it particularly beneficial for clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Massage relaxes accessory breathing muscles and can improve respiratory efficiency

Answer

COPD clients often overuse accessory breathing muscles; massage reduces tension in these muscles and can improve breathing mechanics and reduce dyspnea.

Question 4

The concept of 'somatic memory' in massage therapy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The body storing emotional experiences as chronic muscular tension patterns

Answer

Somatic memory refers to the phenomenon where unresolved emotional experiences become stored as chronic holding patterns or tension in the musculoskeletal system.

Question 5

How does massage therapy specifically benefit clients with insomnia?

Accepted Answer

It reduces cortisol and increases serotonin, creating neurochemical conditions favorable to sleep

Answer

Massage reduces cortisol (a stimulating stress hormone) and increases serotonin (a precursor to melatonin), shifting neurochemistry toward sleep-promoting conditions.

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Benefits and Effects of Massage 5