Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Client Assessment and Treatment Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with limited range of motion in the shoulder after a rotator cuff repair. Which assessment technique is most appropriate to evaluate tissue mobility around the surgical site?
- Active resisted range of motion testing
- Passive range of motion with end-feel assessment (Correct answer)
- Deep palpation of the surgical incision
- Orthopedic special testing of the repaired tendon
Correct answer: Passive range of motion with end-feel assessment
Passive ROM with end-feel assessment safely evaluates tissue restrictions without stressing the repaired structures.
Question 2: During a postural assessment, a massage therapist notices a client has an exaggerated thoracic kyphosis with protracted shoulders. Which muscle group is most likely shortened and contributing to this posture?
- Rhomboids and middle trapezius
- Pectoralis major and minor (Correct answer)
- Erector spinae group
- Posterior deltoids
Correct answer: Pectoralis major and minor
The pectoralis major and minor pull the shoulders forward and contribute to increased thoracic kyphosis when chronically shortened.
Question 3: A client reports numbness and tingling radiating down the arm during the intake interview. What is the massage therapist's most appropriate initial response?
- Begin treatment focusing on the cervical spine
- Refer the client to a physician before proceeding
- Perform nerve glide techniques to reduce symptoms
- Document the symptom and proceed with a full assessment to determine if massage is appropriate (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Document the symptom and proceed with a full assessment to determine if massage is appropriate
Documenting neurological symptoms and completing a thorough assessment helps determine whether massage is safe or if referral is needed.
Question 4: When developing a treatment plan for a client with chronic low back pain, which factor is LEAST relevant to include in the plan?
- Client's functional goals and daily activities
- Duration and frequency of recommended sessions
- The client's insurance reimbursement rate (Correct answer)
- Specific techniques and areas to be addressed
Correct answer: The client's insurance reimbursement rate
Insurance reimbursement rates are an administrative matter and not a clinical factor in developing an effective treatment plan.
Question 5: A massage therapist is reassessing a client after four sessions of treatment for tension headaches. Which outcome measure best indicates treatment effectiveness?
- The therapist's subjective impression of tissue quality
- The client's reported frequency and intensity of headaches since treatment began (Correct answer)
- The amount of pressure the therapist can apply without client discomfort
- Whether the client has continued to schedule appointments
Correct answer: The client's reported frequency and intensity of headaches since treatment began
Client-reported changes in headache frequency and intensity provide the most meaningful functional outcome data.
Question 6: A client's health intake form reveals they are currently taking blood-thinning medication. How should this information affect the massage therapist's treatment approach?
- Avoid all massage and refer to their physician
- Use only energy-based techniques with no physical contact
- Modify pressure to lighter levels and avoid deep tissue work, especially over bruised areas (Correct answer)
- Proceed with the requested deep tissue massage as medications do not affect treatment
Correct answer: Modify pressure to lighter levels and avoid deep tissue work, especially over bruised areas
Blood-thinning medications increase bruising risk, requiring lighter pressure and avoidance of aggressive techniques.
Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Client Assessment and Treatment Questions and Answers 2
A client presents with limited range of motion in the shoulder after a rotator cuff repair.
Which assessment technique is most appropriate to evaluate tissue mobility around the surgical site?