NCBTMB Massage Application and Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Trigger point therapy involves applying sustained pressure to a hyperirritable nodule. What is the recommended hold time to achieve a release?
- 5–10 seconds
- 30–90 seconds (Correct answer)
- 3–5 minutes
- 10–15 minutes
Correct answer: 30–90 seconds
Sustained ischemic compression on a trigger point for 30–90 seconds is typically sufficient to achieve a neurological release.
Question 2: A therapist applies deep transverse friction across a tendon. What is the MAIN goal of this approach?
- Increase tendon length
- Realign collagen fibers and reduce adhesions (Correct answer)
- Cool inflamed tissue
- Stimulate tendon organ reflexes to increase tone
Correct answer: Realign collagen fibers and reduce adhesions
Deep transverse (cross-fiber) friction applied across a tendon promotes proper collagen alignment and breaks down adhesions within the tendon.
Question 3: Which of the following is the BEST body mechanics practice when applying deep pressure during massage?
- Lock the elbow and lean from the wrist
- Use body weight by shifting forward from the feet and hips (Correct answer)
- Apply pressure exclusively with the thumb pad
- Raise the table to chest height to maximize leverage
Correct answer: Use body weight by shifting forward from the feet and hips
Proper body mechanics involve using body weight transfer through the legs and hips rather than relying on upper-extremity strength alone.
Question 4: When treating the piriformis with neuromuscular technique, the client is MOST often positioned in which way?
- Supine with legs extended
- Prone with the knee flexed to 90° (Correct answer)
- Side-lying with the top leg straight
- Seated upright in a chair
Correct answer: Prone with the knee flexed to 90°
Prone positioning with the knee flexed to 90° slackens the hip extensors and exposes the piriformis, allowing accurate palpation and treatment.
Question 5: A client complains of pain that radiates down the lateral leg. The therapist suspects iliotibial band syndrome. Which technique is MOST appropriate for the IT band itself?
- Deep petrissage perpendicular to the band
- Sustained longitudinal effleurage along the band combined with myofascial release (Correct answer)
- Tapotement along the lateral thigh
- Passive stretching of the lumbar spine
Correct answer: Sustained longitudinal effleurage along the band combined with myofascial release
Sustained longitudinal effleurage combined with myofascial release techniques effectively addresses fascial restrictions in the IT band.
Question 6: Which of the following describes the myofascial release (MFR) technique correctly?
- Fast, rhythmic strokes that stimulate the muscle spindle
- Slow, sustained tension applied to fascia until a release is felt (Correct answer)
- Rapid cross-fiber friction to break collagen bonds
- Joint mobilization beyond the physiological barrier
Correct answer: Slow, sustained tension applied to fascia until a release is felt
MFR involves applying slow, sustained tension into fascial restrictions and waiting for the tissue to release, engaging the viscoelastic properties of fascia.
Question 7: During seated chair massage at a corporate event, which areas are TYPICALLY addressed?
- Full-body, including gluteal muscles
- Back, shoulders, neck, arms, and hands through clothing (Correct answer)
- Lower extremities only
- Abdominal and thoracic viscera
Correct answer: Back, shoulders, neck, arms, and hands through clothing
Chair massage focuses on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, and hands and is performed fully clothed through light fabric using compression and acupressure.
NCBTMB Massage Application and Techniques 3
Trigger point therapy involves applying sustained pressure to a hyperirritable nodule.
What is the recommended hold time to achieve a release?