Massage Therapist Massage Techniques and Effects Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which massage technique is primarily characterized by lifting, wringing, and squeezing the soft tissues?

Accepted Answer

Petrissage

Answer

Tapotement

Answer

Effleurage

Answer

Friction

Question 2

A client reports high levels of stress and presents with significant, generalized guarding and hypertonicity in the upper back and neck. To primarily achieve a reflexive reduction in nervous system firing and promote relaxation, which technique is most appropriate to begin the session?

Accepted Answer

Slow, rhythmic effleurage

Answer

Rapid, stimulating tapotement

Answer

Deep transverse friction

Answer

Active resisted stretching

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a primary MECHANICAL effect of massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Increased venous and lymphatic return

Answer

Reduction of stress and anxiety

Answer

Activation of the pain gate mechanism

Answer

Release of endorphins

Question 4

A massage therapist is treating a client with a chronic, non-acute tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon, characterized by palpable fibrous adhesions. Which technique is most specifically designed to break down these adhesions and promote a functional realignment of collagen fibers?

Accepted Answer

Transverse Friction

Answer

Vibration

Answer

Ischemic Compression

Answer

Petrissage

Question 5

During a pre-event sports massage, a therapist applies a stimulating percussion technique using cupped hands to create a hollow sound. What is this specific form of tapotement called?

Accepted Answer

Cupping

Answer

Hacking

Answer

Pounding

Answer

Tapping

Question 6

The invigorating and stimulating sensation a client feels after a session of brisk and rapid tapotement is primarily due to the activation of which division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer

Somatic Nervous System

Answer

Central Nervous System

Answer

Parasympathetic Nervous System