Massage Therapist Flashcards

Which layer of connective tissue immediately surrounds individual muscle fibers?

Answer: Endomysium

The endomysium is the thin connective tissue sheath that wraps each individual muscle fiber within a fascicle.

During a Swedish massage, which technique is typically performed LAST before ending work on a body region?

Answer: Effleurage

Effleurage is used as a linking and closing stroke to transition between areas and to conclude work on a region.

A client with fibromyalgia is MOST likely to benefit from which massage approach?

Answer: Light pressure full-body Swedish massage

Fibromyalgia clients have heightened pain sensitivity; gentle, light-pressure Swedish massage reduces symptoms without exacerbating pain.

What is the recommended body mechanics principle a therapist should use to protect their wrists during deep tissue work?

Answer: Keep the wrist in neutral alignment and use body weight

Maintaining a neutral wrist and leaning body weight prevents repetitive stress injuries common among massage therapists.

Which endangerment site requires extreme caution because it contains the carotid artery, jugular vein, and vagus nerve?

Answer: Anterior triangle of the neck

The anterior triangle of the neck contains major blood vessels and the vagus nerve, making deep or prolonged pressure there dangerous.

Which term describes the therapist's legal and ethical obligation to keep client health information confidential?

Answer: Privileged communication

Privileged communication (or confidentiality) means health information shared by the client cannot be disclosed without consent except in specific legal circumstances.

Cross-fiber friction is applied:

Answer: Perpendicular to the fiber direction

Cross-fiber friction moves transversely across muscle fibers or tendons to break up adhesions and remodel scar tissue.