Massage Therapy Massage Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which modality uses movement of the joints through their range of motion by the therapist?
- Passive range of motion (PROM) (Correct answer)
- Isometric stretching
- PNF stretching
- Active assisted range of motion
Correct answer: Passive range of motion (PROM)
In passive range of motion, the therapist moves the client's joint without any muscular effort from the client.
Question 2: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching involves alternating:
- Isometric contraction and passive stretch (Correct answer)
- Concentric contraction and rest
- Eccentric contraction and active stretch
- Vibration and traction
Correct answer: Isometric contraction and passive stretch
PNF uses a cycle of isometric contraction followed by passive stretch to achieve greater range of motion through reciprocal inhibition and post-isometric relaxation.
Question 3: What is the primary goal of myofascial release?
- Elongate restricted fascia and restore mobility (Correct answer)
- Increase muscle bulk
- Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system
- Reduce bone density
Correct answer: Elongate restricted fascia and restore mobility
Myofascial release uses sustained low-load pressure to stretch and soften fascial restrictions, restoring normal tissue mobility.
Question 4: Which stroke is characterized by rapid, alternating percussion movements like hacking or cupping?
- Tapotement (Correct answer)
- Friction
- Effleurage
- Petrissage
Correct answer: Tapotement
Tapotement encompasses rhythmic percussion strokes—hacking, cupping, beating, and tapping—that stimulate and invigorate tissue.
Question 5: Compression massage is most commonly applied to:
- Muscle bellies with the palms or fists (Correct answer)
- Tendons with fingertips
- Joint spaces with thumbs
- Lymph nodes with flat hands
Correct answer: Muscle bellies with the palms or fists
Compression is applied perpendicularly into muscle bellies using the palm or fist to spread fibers and increase local circulation.
Question 6: In lymphatic drainage massage, the pressure used should be:
- Very light, approximately 30–40 mmHg (Correct answer)
- Deep, penetrating to muscle layer
- Moderate with cross-fiber friction
- Heavy tapotement to move fluid
Correct answer: Very light, approximately 30–40 mmHg
Manual lymphatic drainage uses extremely light, rhythmic pressure of about 30–40 mmHg to move lymph through superficial lymphatic capillaries.
