NCBTMB Massage Application and Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of using a bolster under the ankles during a prone massage?
- To prevent knee hyperextension and reduce lumbar strain (Correct answer)
- To elevate the feet above heart level
- To facilitate lymphatic drainage from the lower leg
- To keep the client from sliding on the table
Correct answer: To prevent knee hyperextension and reduce lumbar strain
Placing a bolster under the ankles prevents knee hyperextension and reduces tension in the lumbar spine and hip flexors while the client is prone.
Question 2: Which Swedish massage stroke is characterized by rhythmic, alternating compression and lifting of tissue with both hands?
- Effleurage
- Tapotement
- Pétrissage (Correct answer)
- Friction
Correct answer: Pétrissage
Pétrissage involves rhythmically lifting, squeezing, and releasing tissue with both hands in an alternating kneading motion.
Question 3: A therapist is working on a client with edema in the lower leg. What is the CORRECT sequence for lymphatic drainage techniques?
- Begin at the ankle and work up toward the inguinal nodes
- Begin at the inguinal nodes and work distally toward the ankle (Correct answer)
- Begin at the knee and alternate proximal and distal strokes
- Begin anywhere, as direction does not affect lymphatic flow
Correct answer: Begin at the inguinal nodes and work distally toward the ankle
Manual lymphatic drainage begins centrally (at the lymph nodes) to clear proximal areas first, then works distally to move fluid toward cleared regions.
Question 4: When applying compression to an area with a recent contusion (bruise), what is the MOST appropriate action?
- Apply deep compression to speed up absorption of the hematoma
- Avoid direct massage over the bruise; work proximal to the injury (Correct answer)
- Apply tapotement to stimulate local circulation
- Use heat and deep friction to break down pooled blood
Correct answer: Avoid direct massage over the bruise; work proximal to the injury
Direct massage over a contusion is contraindicated; working proximal to the injury helps promote drainage without aggravating the bruised tissue.
Question 5: Which technique applies sustained digital pressure to acupressure points to reduce pain and muscle tension?
- Rolfing
- Shiatsu (Correct answer)
- Hot stone massage
- Craniosacral therapy
Correct answer: Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork modality that uses sustained thumb and finger pressure on acupressure points along energy meridians.
Question 6: The 'rocking' technique in massage primarily produces which therapeutic effect?
- Breakdown of deep fascial adhesions
- Sedation and nervous system regulation through rhythmic oscillation (Correct answer)
- Increased muscle fiber recruitment
- Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system
Correct answer: Sedation and nervous system regulation through rhythmic oscillation
Rocking creates rhythmic oscillation of the body, which engages the parasympathetic nervous system and induces relaxation and sedation.
Question 7: What does the term 'flushing' refer to in sports massage context?
- Rapid percussion to stimulate pre-event performance
- Light effleurage strokes used to push metabolic waste toward lymph nodes (Correct answer)
- Deep tissue work breaking down lactic acid crystals directly
- Stretching the muscle to its end range of motion
Correct answer: Light effleurage strokes used to push metabolic waste toward lymph nodes
Flushing refers to light, brisk effleurage strokes directed toward lymph nodes to assist removal of metabolic waste after intense exercise.
NCBTMB Massage Application and Techniques 4
What is the primary purpose of using a bolster under the ankles during a prone massage?