Massage Therapy Massage Techniques

Question 1

Which Swedish massage stroke involves long, gliding strokes applied with the palms?

Accepted Answer

Effleurage

Answer

Effleurage consists of long, flowing strokes used to introduce touch, warm tissue, and apply lubricant.

Question 2

Petrissage techniques primarily affect which tissue component?

Accepted Answer

Muscle belly and superficial fascia

Answer

Petrissage—kneading, wringing, and squeezing—targets the muscle belly and superficial fascia to reduce tension and improve circulation.

Question 3

Which massage technique uses small, circular, cross-fiber movements applied directly to a tendon or ligament?

Accepted Answer

Cyriax friction

Answer

Cyriax (transverse/cross-fiber) friction is applied perpendicular to tissue fibers to break down adhesions in tendons and ligaments.

Question 4

In neuromuscular therapy (NMT), the therapist applies sustained pressure to a trigger point for how long before releasing?

Accepted Answer

8–12 seconds

Answer

In NMT, the therapist holds sustained ischemic pressure on a trigger point for 8–12 seconds, then releases, repeating until the point deactivates.

Question 5

Which direction should effleurage strokes be applied to best support venous return?

Accepted Answer

Toward the heart (centripetal)

Answer

Effleurage applied centripetally—toward the heart—follows venous flow and assists in returning blood to central circulation.

Massage Therapy Practice Test