NCBTMB Massage Application and Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following massage strokes is a rhythmic lifting, squeezing, and kneading of the tissue, primarily intended to 'milk' metabolic wastes from the muscle and increase local circulation?

Accepted Answer

Petrissage

Answer

Tapotement

Answer

Friction

Answer

Effleurage

Question 2

A client complains of a referral pain pattern consistent with a trigger point in the infraspinatus muscle. Which technique would be most appropriate to directly address the localized nodule of contracted muscle fibers?

Accepted Answer

Ischemic compression applied directly to the tender point

Answer

Broad, gliding effleurage over the entire posterior shoulder

Answer

Rapid, percussive tapotement to stimulate the muscle

Answer

Deep, longitudinal stripping along the entire length of the latissimus dorsi

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the primary principle of secure and ethical draping during a massage session?

Accepted Answer

Creating a secure boundary that only exposes the specific area being worked on at any given time

Answer

Using the smallest drape possible to maximize the therapist's access to the body

Answer

Tucking the drape tightly into the client's undergarments to ensure it stays in place

Answer

Allowing the client to adjust the drape themselves to ensure their own comfort level

Question 4

A client in her third trimester of pregnancy requests a full-body massage to address lower back pain and hip discomfort. Which position is most appropriate and safe for this client?

Accepted Answer

Side-lying, with pillows for support between the knees and under the head and abdomen

Answer

Supine, with a small wedge under her right hip

Answer

Prone, using a table with an abdominal cutout

Answer

Seated in a standard chair with no additional support

Question 5

A therapist is treating a client with chronic tendinosis. What is the primary therapeutic goal of applying cross-fiber friction to the affected tendon?

Accepted Answer

To create a controlled, therapeutic inflammation and break down restrictive adhesions

Answer

To increase the pliability of the overlying skin before applying lubricant

Answer

To sedate the nervous system and promote general relaxation

Answer

To lengthen the entire muscle belly through a sustained stretch

Question 6

When performing effleurage on a client's limbs, what is the generally accepted direction of the stroke and the primary physiological reason for it?

Accepted Answer

Distal to proximal, to assist with venous and lymphatic return

Answer

Proximal to distal, to push arterial blood into the extremities

Answer

In a circular pattern, to warm up the joint capsules

Answer

Medial to lateral, to stretch the fascial planes