Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Physiological Effects of Massage 3

Question 1

Which hormone is most directly decreased by regular massage therapy, contributing to improved immune function?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Cortisol, released during the stress response, suppresses immune function; regular massage lowers cortisol levels, allowing immune cell activity to normalize.

Question 2

How does massage affect tissue extensibility in areas with chronic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

It applies mechanical force that can remodel collagen fibers and improve extensibility

Answer

Sustained mechanical loading from massage can stress collagen fibers along lines of tension, encouraging realignment and improving the extensibility of fibrotic tissue.

Question 3

What is the primary physiological reason that massage is contraindicated over acute phlebitis?

Accepted Answer

Massage could dislodge a thrombus and cause an embolism

Answer

Massaging over acute phlebitis risks dislodging a blood clot (thrombus), which could travel to the lungs, heart, or brain and cause a life-threatening embolism.

Question 4

Which reflex arc is responsible for the reduction in muscle tone observed after slow, sustained massage strokes?

Accepted Answer

The inverse myotatic reflex via Golgi tendon organs

Answer

Slow, sustained pressure activates Golgi tendon organs, which trigger the inverse myotatic reflex, causing autogenic inhibition and reducing muscle tone in the treated tissue.

Question 5

What physiological change explains increased skin temperature after vigorous friction massage?

Accepted Answer

Local vasodilation caused by histamine and prostaglandin release

Answer

Vigorous friction causes mast cells to release histamine and local tissue damage triggers prostaglandins, both causing vasodilation and the resulting increase in skin temperature.

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Physiological Effects of Massage 3