Massage Therapy Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Massage Therapy facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What type of muscle contraction occurs when the muscle lengthens while producing force? → Eccentric
2. Which direction should effleurage strokes be applied to best support venous return? → Toward the heart (centripetal)
3. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching involves alternating: → Isometric contraction and passive stretch
4. Which assessment test is used to identify potential thoracic outlet syndrome by raising both arms overhead? → Roos test (EAST test)
5. Lower crossed syndrome involves weakness in which muscle group? → Gluteus maximus and abdominals
6. When reassessing a client after multiple sessions, improvement is indicated by: → Increased ROM, decreased pain levels, and improved tissue quality
7. Deep tissue massage is absolutely contraindicated over an area with: → Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
8. Which statement about intake forms is correct? → They should be completed before every new client's first session
9. Which of the following best describes a tendon? → Dense regular connective tissue connecting muscle to bone
10. Dorsiflexion at the ankle refers to: → Moving the top of the foot toward the shin
11. A massage therapist who works in a clinical setting with physical therapists should document treatment using which format? → SOAP notes, consistent with the clinic's standard documentation
12. Non-maleficence in massage therapy means: → Do no harm to the client
13. Rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups represent what type of contraindication? → Local contraindication over affected joints
14. Palpation in massage therapy is used to assess: → Tissue texture, temperature, tension, and tenderness
15. The subjective section of a SOAP note contains: → What the client reports in their own words about their condition
16. Which bone marking serves as the attachment for the Achilles tendon? → Calcaneal tuberosity
17. The thoracic outlet is bordered by the first rib, clavicle, and which muscle? → Anterior scalene
18. Fibromyalgia is characterized by: → Widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points
19. The agonist muscle in a movement is best described as the: → Prime mover
20. Diabetes can affect massage because uncontrolled diabetes may cause: → Peripheral neuropathy reducing sensation accuracy
21. Which anatomical plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions? → Frontal/Coronal
22. A massage therapist should maintain client confidentiality by: → Not disclosing intake information without written authorization
23. Which massage technique uses small, circular, cross-fiber movements applied directly to a tendon or ligament? → Cyriax friction
24. Which business model allows multiple massage therapists to share overhead costs while each maintains their own independent practice? → Shared space/co-op rental model
25. What is the anatomical term for the front of the body? → Anterior
26. Active isolated stretching (AIS) differs from static stretching primarily because it uses: → Short holds (2 seconds) with active muscle engagement and repetition
27. Which of the following best describes the concept of beneficence in massage therapy ethics? → Acting in the best interest of the client
28. What does PRICE stand for in first aid and injury management? → Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
29. Which muscle is primarily responsible for shoulder abduction? → Deltoid
30. A cancellation policy primarily protects the massage therapist's: → Income and time management