Massage Techniques and Application 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 Massage Techniques and Application flashcards as text
Which massage stroke is characterized by long, gliding movements applied with the palms and fingers along the length of a muscle?
Answer: Effleurage
Effleurage consists of long, gliding strokes applied with the palms and fingers, making it the foundational Swedish massage technique used to warm tissue and promote circulation.
What is the primary purpose of petrissage in massage therapy?
Answer: To lift, squeeze, and knead muscles to increase circulation and release tension
Petrissage involves lifting, squeezing, and kneading muscle tissue, which increases local circulation, breaks up adhesions, and promotes removal of metabolic waste.
Tapotement is best described as which type of massage movement?
Answer: Rhythmic striking or percussive movements applied with the hands
Tapotement is a percussive technique involving rhythmic striking of the tissue with various hand positions, which stimulates superficial nerves and invigorates the area.
In which direction should effleurage strokes be applied to best promote venous return?
Answer: Toward the heart (centripetal direction)
Effleurage applied toward the heart (centripetally) pushes blood through the venous system back to the central circulation, enhancing venous return.
Cross-fiber friction is primarily used by massage therapists to:
Answer: Break down adhesions and scar tissue in tendons and ligaments
Cross-fiber friction is applied perpendicular to muscle or tendon fibers to break down adhesions, realign collagen fibers, and restore mobility in scar tissue.
Which massage technique involves applying sustained pressure to a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle to alleviate referred pain?
Answer: Trigger point therapy
Trigger point therapy applies sustained ischemic pressure to a hyperirritable nodule within a taut band of muscle, reducing the trigger point's activity and its referred pain pattern.
Vibration in massage therapy is best described as:
Answer: Rapid, rhythmic shaking or trembling movements transmitted through the hands into the tissue
Vibration involves the therapist transmitting rapid, rhythmic oscillating or shaking movements through the hands into the client's tissue, which can sedate or stimulate nerves depending on the rate applied.