Massage Therapist FREE Massage Therapist Question and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle is primarily responsible for lateral flexion of the neck and is commonly addressed in massage therapy for tension headaches?
- Sternocleidomastoid
- Scalenes (Correct answer)
- Upper trapezius
- Levator scapulae
Correct answer: Scalenes
The scalenes perform lateral flexion of the cervical spine and are frequently implicated in tension-type headaches and thoracic outlet syndrome.
Question 2: What is the appropriate action if a client reports numbness and tingling radiating down their arm during a massage session?
- Increase pressure to work through the restriction
- Continue the session but avoid that area
- Stop the technique immediately and reassess (Correct answer)
- Apply heat to the affected area and continue
Correct answer: Stop the technique immediately and reassess
Numbness and tingling indicate possible nerve compression, requiring the therapist to stop the current technique immediately and reassess before proceeding.
Question 3: Which type of end feel would a massage therapist expect when assessing normal knee flexion?
- Hard end feel
- Soft tissue approximation (Correct answer)
- Capsular end feel
- Empty end feel
Correct answer: Soft tissue approximation
Normal knee flexion ends with soft tissue approximation as the calf muscles compress against the posterior thigh.
Question 4: During a prenatal massage, which position is generally recommended for clients in their second and third trimesters?
- Prone with an abdominal cutout pillow
- Supine with legs elevated
- Side-lying with supportive bolsters (Correct answer)
- Seated in a massage chair
Correct answer: Side-lying with supportive bolsters
Side-lying with proper bolster support is the safest and most comfortable position for prenatal clients past the first trimester.
Question 5: What does the abbreviation SOAP stand for in massage therapy documentation?
- Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (Correct answer)
- Summary, Observation, Action, Prognosis
- Subjective, Observation, Analysis, Protocol
- Status, Objective, Assessment, Procedure
Correct answer: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
SOAP notes stand for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, providing a standardized format for clinical documentation.
Question 6: Which massage technique involves rhythmic compression and release of muscle tissue to increase local circulation and reduce hypertonicity?
- Effleurage
- Petrissage (Correct answer)
- Tapotement
- Friction
Correct answer: Petrissage
Petrissage involves kneading, squeezing, and compression of soft tissue to enhance circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Which muscle is primarily responsible for lateral flexion of the neck and is commonly addressed in massage therapy for tension headaches?