Massage Therapy Assessment & Treatment Planning

Question 1

Postural assessment is performed to identify:

Accepted Answer

Deviations from ideal alignment that may indicate muscular imbalances

Answer

Postural assessment reveals asymmetries, deviations, and compensatory patterns that guide the therapist in selecting appropriate techniques.

Question 2

Palpation in massage therapy is used to assess:

Accepted Answer

Tissue texture, temperature, tension, and tenderness

Answer

Skilled palpation allows the therapist to assess soft tissue quality, including areas of hypertonicity, inflammation, and fascial restriction.

Question 3

Range of motion (ROM) testing before a session helps the therapist to:

Accepted Answer

Establish a baseline and identify restricted movement patterns

Answer

Pre-session ROM testing establishes objective baselines so the therapist can set measurable treatment goals and track improvement.

Question 4

A hypertonic muscle is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A muscle with excessive, sustained tension that is shorter than normal

Answer

Hypertonic muscles have elevated resting tone, feel tight on palpation, and restrict joint range of motion.

Question 5

Which assessment test is used to identify potential thoracic outlet syndrome by raising both arms overhead?

Accepted Answer

Roos test (EAST test)

Answer

The Roos (elevated arm stress) test has the client hold arms at 90° abduction/external rotation and open and close the hands; symptom reproduction suggests thoracic outlet syndrome.

Massage Therapy Practice Test

Massage Therapy Practice Test

Massage Therapy Assessment & Treatment Planning