PMC Special Populations & Clinical Applications

Question 1

Research shows that massage therapy for children with cancer primarily helps by:

Accepted Answer

Reducing anxiety, nausea, and pain associated with treatment

Answer

Destroying cancer cells directly

Answer

Improving white blood cell counts to normal levels

Answer

Reversing chemotherapy side effects

Question 2

For a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), massage should avoid:

Accepted Answer

Massaging during acute joint inflammation or flare-ups

Answer

The lower extremities entirely

Answer

All techniques involving passive range of motion

Answer

Any work above the waist

Question 3

Sports massage for a youth athlete should differ from adult sports massage primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding deep tissue work near growth plates and using age-appropriate pressure

Answer

Using heavier pressure on the largest muscle groups

Answer

Focusing exclusively on passive stretching

Answer

Limiting sessions to the upper body only

Question 4

A child with cystic fibrosis may benefit from which specialized massage technique performed in conjunction with medical care?

Accepted Answer

Postural drainage and percussion techniques on the chest

Answer

Deep tissue massage of the quadriceps

Answer

Inversion table therapy

Answer

Craniosacral therapy for sinus relief

Question 5

Massage for children with sickle cell disease should be approached with caution primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Painful crises can be triggered by cold temperatures, dehydration, or circulatory changes

Answer

These children have poor skin integrity

Answer

Massage increases hemoglobin S production

Answer

Children with sickle cell have hypersensitive skin

Question 6

Which massage benefit has been specifically documented for children with HIV/AIDS in research studies?

Accepted Answer

Improved immune function markers and reduced anxiety

Answer

Cure of opportunistic infections

Answer

Elimination of viral load

Answer

Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission