NCBTMB Special Populations and Treatment Adaptations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended positioning for a pregnant client in the second or third trimester during massage?
- Supine with legs elevated
- Prone using a specialized pregnancy bolster only
- Side-lying with pillow support (Correct answer)
- Seated upright in a massage chair
Correct answer: Side-lying with pillow support
Side-lying positioning avoids compression of the inferior vena cava and is the safest position for second and third trimester clients.
Question 2: When working with an elderly client who has osteoporosis, which adjustment is most important?
- Increase session duration to allow thorough treatment
- Focus work on deep pressure spinal techniques
- Apply aggressive muscle stripping techniques
- Use light pressure and avoid high-force techniques (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use light pressure and avoid high-force techniques
Osteoporosis significantly weakens bone structure, making the client vulnerable to fractures with excessive force or aggressive 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?
- Avoid massaging the site of the recent insulin injection (Correct answer)
- Perform only light effleurage on all areas
- Skip the session until blood sugar is normalized
- Focus exclusively on the upper body
Correct answer: Avoid massaging the site of the recent insulin injection
Massage increases local circulation and can accelerate insulin absorption from the injection site, potentially causing dangerous hypoglycemia.
Question 4: Which situation represents a local contraindication for massage in a client undergoing cancer treatment?
- Cancer in full remission for over two years
- History of chemotherapy completed 6 months ago
- An area currently receiving radiation therapy (Correct answer)
- Stable bone cancer with physician approval
Correct answer: An area currently receiving radiation therapy
Radiation treatment damages and sensitizes tissue in the treatment area, making massage locally contraindicated to avoid further irritation.
Question 5: Before providing massage to a 14-year-old client, what is the most critical legal requirement?
- Perform only relaxation massage techniques
- Limit the session to 30 minutes
- Obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian (Correct answer)
- Have another adult present only if required by state law
Correct answer: Obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian
Minors lack the legal capacity to provide informed consent, so a parent or legal guardian must consent on their behalf before treatment begins.
Question 6: A client with fibromyalgia reports extreme sensitivity to touch throughout their body. What is the best initial treatment approach?
- Begin with deep tissue massage to break up tension patterns
- Apply sustained trigger point pressure to reset pain receptors
- Use very light pressure and check in frequently about client comfort (Correct answer)
- Avoid massage entirely as fibromyalgia is a contraindication
Correct answer: Use very light pressure and check in frequently about client comfort
Fibromyalgia is characterized by central sensitization and widespread hypersensitivity, requiring the therapist to start extremely lightly and adjust based on the client's response.
Question 7: What type of massage is most appropriate immediately following an athletic competition?
- Deep tissue massage targeting all major muscle groups
- Post-event sports massage using light, flushing techniques (Correct answer)
- Aggressive myofascial release to address adhesions
- Thai massage with full passive stretching
Correct answer: Post-event sports massage using light, flushing techniques
Post-event sports massage uses light, circulatory techniques to help clear metabolic waste and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness without overworking fatigued muscles.
NCBTMB Special Populations and Treatment Adaptations 1
What is the recommended positioning for a pregnant client in the second or third trimester during massage?