NCBTMB Special Populations and Treatment Adaptations

Question 1

What is the recommended positioning for a pregnant client in the second or third trimester during massage?

Accepted Answer

Side-lying with pillow support

Answer

Supine with legs elevated

Answer

Prone using a specialized pregnancy bolster only

Answer

Seated upright in a massage chair

Question 2

When working with an elderly client who has osteoporosis, which adjustment is most important?

Accepted Answer

Use light pressure and avoid high-force techniques

Answer

Increase session duration to allow thorough treatment

Answer

Focus work on deep pressure spinal techniques

Answer

Apply aggressive muscle stripping techniques

Question 3

A client with Type 1 diabetes arrives for a massage with a recent insulin injection in the left thigh. What is the most important precaution?

Accepted Answer

Avoid massaging the site of the recent insulin injection

Answer

Perform only light effleurage on all areas

Answer

Skip the session until blood sugar is normalized

Answer

Focus exclusively on the upper body

Question 4

Which situation represents a local contraindication for massage in a client undergoing cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

An area currently receiving radiation therapy

Answer

Cancer in full remission for over two years

Answer

History of chemotherapy completed 6 months ago

Answer

Stable bone cancer with physician approval

Question 5

Before providing massage to a 14-year-old client, what is the most critical legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

Obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian

Answer

Perform only relaxation massage techniques

Answer

Limit the session to 30 minutes

Answer

Have another adult present only if required by state law

Question 6

A client with fibromyalgia reports extreme sensitivity to touch throughout their body. What is the best initial treatment approach?

Accepted Answer

Use very light pressure and check in frequently about client comfort

Answer

Begin with deep tissue massage to break up tension patterns

Answer

Apply sustained trigger point pressure to reset pain receptors

Answer

Avoid massage entirely as fibromyalgia is a contraindication

Question 7

What type of massage is most appropriate immediately following an athletic competition?

Accepted Answer

Post-event sports massage using light, flushing techniques

Answer

Deep tissue massage targeting all major muscle groups

Answer

Aggressive myofascial release to address adhesions

Answer

Thai massage with full passive stretching