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
Skin rolling is a specialized form of which broader massage technique category?
Answer: Petrissage
Skin rolling is a form of petrissage in which the therapist lifts and rolls the skin away from the underlying fascia to release superficial fascial restrictions and improve skin mobility.
Sports massage is best characterized by its focus on:
Answer: Athletic performance enhancement, injury prevention, and recovery support
Sports massage is specifically adapted to the needs of athletes, with applications for pre-event preparation, inter-event recovery, post-event restoration, and maintenance during training.
Which massage technique typically requires the least amount of lubricant to be performed effectively?
Answer: Cross-fiber friction
Cross-fiber friction is applied with enough drag to move the underlying tissue, so using lubricant would cause the fingers to slide rather than grip; little to no oil is used.
In hot stone massage, the primary therapeutic role of the heated stones is to:
Answer: Deliver heat that relaxes muscle tissue and allows the therapist to work more deeply
Heated basalt stones conduct warmth deeply into muscle tissue, causing vasodilation and muscle relaxation that allows the therapist to access deeper layers with less pressure.
Which of the following best describes the tapotement technique known as 'hacking'?
Answer: Using the ulnar (little finger) side of both hands in a rapid, alternating chopping motion
Hacking uses the ulnar border of the hands striking the tissue alternately in rapid succession, creating a brisk, invigorating stimulation of the muscle and overlying soft tissue.
Positional release (strain-counterstrain) therapy involves:
Answer: Passively moving the body into a position of comfort that reduces tension in the affected tissue
Strain-counterstrain places the body in a position that shortens and unloads the affected muscle, reducing proprioceptive strain and allowing the tender point to release after being held for approximately 90 seconds.
Which principle is fundamental to the safe and effective application of deep tissue massage?
Answer: Work progressively deeper only as superficial tissues release and the client's body accepts the pressure
Deep tissue massage requires the therapist to respect tissue readiness, sinking slowly through each layer as it releases, which prevents pain, guarding, and potential injury to the client.