Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Massage Techniques and Application

Question 1

Which massage stroke is characterized by long, gliding movements applied with the palms and fingers along the length of a muscle?

Accepted Answer

Effleurage

Answer

Petrissage

Answer

Tapotement

Answer

Friction

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of petrissage in massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

To lift, squeeze, and knead muscles to increase circulation and release tension

Answer

To sedate the nervous system

Answer

To warm up superficial tissues only

Answer

To apply direct sustained pressure to trigger points

Question 3

Tapotement is best described as which type of massage movement?

Accepted Answer

Rhythmic striking or percussive movements applied with the hands

Answer

Slow, rhythmic compression strokes held for several seconds

Answer

Sustained pressure held on a specific hyperirritable point

Answer

Long gliding strokes following the direction of venous return

Question 4

In which direction should effleurage strokes be applied to best promote venous return?

Accepted Answer

Toward the heart (centripetal direction)

Answer

Toward the periphery (distal to proximal)

Answer

Across muscle fibers at a 90-degree angle

Answer

Along fascial planes only

Question 5

Cross-fiber friction is primarily used by massage therapists to:

Accepted Answer

Break down adhesions and scar tissue in tendons and ligaments

Answer

Stimulate lymphatic flow in superficial vessels

Answer

Relax superficial muscles through broad contact

Answer

Apply therapeutic heat to deep tissue layers

Question 6

Which massage technique involves applying sustained pressure to a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle to alleviate referred pain?

Accepted Answer

Trigger point therapy

Answer

Effleurage

Answer

Vibration

Answer

Petrissage

Question 7

Vibration in massage therapy is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Rapid, rhythmic shaking or trembling movements transmitted through the hands into the tissue

Answer

A kneading technique applied to superficial muscle bellies

Answer

Circular movements applied with fingertip pressure

Answer

Quick rhythmic tapping using just the fingertips