Massage Therapy Assessment & Treatment Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A treatment plan should include which components?
- Goals, frequency, duration, modalities to be used, and reassessment schedule (Correct answer)
- Only the techniques applied in each session
- Client personal history unrelated to their condition
- Insurance billing codes exclusively
Correct answer: Goals, frequency, duration, modalities to be used, and reassessment schedule
A comprehensive treatment plan documents goals, session frequency and duration, specific modalities, and when reassessment will occur to measure progress.
Question 2: Active isolated stretching (AIS) differs from static stretching primarily because it uses:
- Short holds (2 seconds) with active muscle engagement and repetition (Correct answer)
- Prolonged holds (30–60 seconds) of passive stretching
- Ballistic bouncing movements
- Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation cycles
Correct answer: Short holds (2 seconds) with active muscle engagement and repetition
AIS uses brief 2-second holds with the client actively contracting the antagonist, then the therapist assists at end range, repeated 8–10 times.
Question 3: Upper crossed syndrome, as described by Janda, involves tightness in which muscles?
- Pectorals and upper trapezius/levator scapulae (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings and hip flexors
- Gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior
- Serratus anterior and rhomboids
Correct answer: Pectorals and upper trapezius/levator scapulae
Upper crossed syndrome features tight pectorals, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae paired with weak deep neck flexors and lower trapezius.
Question 4: When reassessing a client after multiple sessions, improvement is indicated by:
- Increased ROM, decreased pain levels, and improved tissue quality (Correct answer)
- No change in postural assessment findings
- Increased muscle hypertonia
- Client reporting the same complaints as the initial intake
Correct answer: Increased ROM, decreased pain levels, and improved tissue quality
Objective improvements in ROM, reduced pain scores, and improved tissue texture confirm the treatment plan is effective.
Question 5: The Thomas test is primarily used to assess tightness in the:
- Hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris) (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings
- Piriformis
- Gluteus medius
Correct answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris)
The Thomas test positions the client supine with one knee pulled to chest; failure of the opposite leg to remain flat on the table indicates hip flexor tightness.
Question 6: Lower crossed syndrome involves weakness in which muscle group?
- Gluteus maximus and abdominals (Correct answer)
- Hip flexors and lumbar extensors
- Hamstrings and adductors
- Quadriceps and gastrocnemius
Correct answer: Gluteus maximus and abdominals
Lower crossed syndrome features tight hip flexors and lumbar extensors paired with weak gluteus maximus and abdominal muscles, creating anterior pelvic tilt.
Massage Therapy Assessment & Treatment Planning 2
A treatment plan should include which components?