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Bodywork Application and Physiology Flashcards

7 cards from real NCBTMB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Bodywork Application and Physiology flashcards as text

  1. Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION for applying massage directly over an area of the body?

    Answer: Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

    Active DVT is an absolute local contraindication because massage could dislodge the clot, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

  2. The muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot and frequently addressed in massage for runners with Achilles tendinopathy is the:

    Answer: Gastrocnemius

    The gastrocnemius (with the soleus) is the primary plantarflexor and attaches to the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon, making it central to Achilles tendinopathy.

  3. A client experiences a sudden muscle cramp during a massage session. The MOST appropriate immediate response is to:

    Answer: Passively stretch the affected muscle gently and slowly

    Gentle passive stretching of the cramping muscle lengthens it and interrupts the spasm cycle, providing the quickest relief.

  4. Which anatomical structure is the primary site of gas exchange between blood and tissues?

    Answer: Capillaries

    Capillaries have walls only one cell thick, enabling oxygen, nutrients, and waste to diffuse between blood and surrounding tissue.

  5. The principle of 'palpatory literacy' in massage therapy refers to the therapist's ability to:

    Answer: Detect tissue texture, tension, and temperature differences through touch

    Palpatory literacy is the trained skill of distinguishing tissue quality, temperature, and tension variations to guide therapeutic decisions.

  6. In the context of the NCBTMB exam, which term describes the range of motion available at a joint without any assistance from the therapist?

    Answer: Active range of motion (AROM)

    Active range of motion (AROM) is the movement a client performs independently using their own muscular effort, without therapist assistance.

  7. When a therapist uses cross-fiber friction on the IT band, the primary purpose is to:

    Answer: Mobilize the iliotibial band fibers and reduce adhesions

    Cross-fiber friction applied to the IT band works perpendicular to its longitudinal fibers to break up adhesions and improve tissue mobility.

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  1. ncbtmb.org — Test delivery, exam format, renewal, retake policy, time limit, eligibility, fees · verified Oct 2026