Massage Therapist Flashcards

Which massage technique involves lifting and squeezing muscle tissue away from the underlying bone?

Answer: Petrissage

Petrissage includes kneading, wringing, and lifting movements that compress and release muscle tissue.

A client reports tingling and numbness in the fourth and fifth fingers. Which nerve is most likely compressed?

Answer: Ulnar nerve

The ulnar nerve innervates the fourth and fifth fingers; compression at the elbow or wrist causes these symptoms.

What is the primary purpose of a draping protocol during a massage session?

Answer: To protect client modesty and maintain professional boundaries

Draping protects client privacy, ensures modesty, and upholds professional and ethical standards.

In which direction should effleurage strokes primarily flow to promote venous return?

Answer: Distal to proximal

Effleurage strokes directed toward the heart (distal to proximal) assist venous and lymphatic return.

Which condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication for massage on the affected area?

Answer: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is an absolute local contraindication because massage can dislodge a thrombus and cause a pulmonary embolism.

The SOAP note format used by massage therapists stands for:

Answer: Subject, Objective, Assessment, Plan

SOAP notes organize clinical documentation into Subjective (client report), Objective (therapist findings), Assessment, and Plan.

Which of the following best describes the 'gate control theory' as it applies to massage?

Answer: Touch signals travel faster than pain signals and can close the pain gate in the spinal cord

Gate control theory proposes that non-painful input (touch) closes neural 'gates' to painful stimuli in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.