Benefits and Effects of Massage Flashcards
7 cards from real Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Benefits and Effects of Massage flashcards as text
Research on premature infants and massage therapy has consistently shown which benefit?
Answer: Improved weight gain and earlier hospital discharge
Landmark research by Tiffany Field demonstrated that premature infants receiving massage gained weight 47% faster and were discharged earlier than control groups.
Which of the following best explains why massage can reduce the sensation of pain?
Answer: Massage stimulates large-diameter sensory fibers that inhibit pain signals via gate control theory
Gate control theory explains that tactile stimulation activates large A-beta fibers that inhibit pain transmission from smaller nociceptive C and A-delta fibers.
A competitive runner uses massage between training sessions primarily to:
Answer: Accelerate recovery by enhancing circulation and reducing muscle tension
Sports massage between training sessions enhances circulation to deliver nutrients, removes metabolic waste, and reduces hypertonicity to accelerate recovery.
What effect does massage have on the myofascial system?
Answer: It can reduce fascial restrictions and improve tissue mobility through sustained pressure and stretching
Sustained pressure and stretching techniques applied to fascia can reduce restrictions, improve hydration of ground substance, and restore normal gliding between tissue layers.
Which autonomic nervous system effect is associated with vigorous, stimulating massage techniques such as tapotement?
Answer: Mild sympathetic activation, increased alertness, and elevated muscle tone
Vigorous techniques like tapotement stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity, increasing alertness and muscle tone — useful before athletic activity.
How does massage therapy support the immune system?
Answer: It increases natural killer cell activity and enhances lymphatic circulation
Studies show massage increases natural killer cell cytotoxicity and enhances lymphatic flow, which supports immune surveillance and waste removal.
A client with diabetes mellitus receives massage therapy. Which benefit requires the therapist's careful monitoring during the session?
Answer: Massage can lower blood glucose levels, creating a risk of hypoglycemia
Massage can lower blood glucose levels, so diabetic clients should have eaten recently and the therapist should monitor for signs of hypoglycemia during treatment.