Massage Techniques Flashcards
6 cards from real Massage Therapy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Massage Techniques flashcards as text
Which Swedish massage stroke involves long, gliding strokes applied with the palms?
Answer: Effleurage
Effleurage consists of long, flowing strokes used to introduce touch, warm tissue, and apply lubricant.
Petrissage techniques primarily affect which tissue component?
Answer: Muscle belly and superficial fascia
Petrissage—kneading, wringing, and squeezing—targets the muscle belly and superficial fascia to reduce tension and improve circulation.
Which massage technique uses small, circular, cross-fiber movements applied directly to a tendon or ligament?
Answer: Cyriax friction
Cyriax (transverse/cross-fiber) friction is applied perpendicular to tissue fibers to break down adhesions in tendons and ligaments.
In neuromuscular therapy (NMT), the therapist applies sustained pressure to a trigger point for how long before releasing?
Answer: 8–12 seconds
In NMT, the therapist holds sustained ischemic pressure on a trigger point for 8–12 seconds, then releases, repeating until the point deactivates.
Which direction should effleurage strokes be applied to best support venous return?
Answer: Toward the heart (centripetal)
Effleurage applied centripetally—toward the heart—follows venous flow and assists in returning blood to central circulation.
Tapotement is contraindicated directly over:
Answer: The spine and kidneys
Tapotement should not be applied directly over bony prominences such as the spine or over organs like the kidneys.