Massage Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real PMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Massage Techniques flashcards as text
What is the recommended pressure level for abdominal massage during the second trimester?
Answer: Light, superficial touch only
When abdominal work is performed during pregnancy, only light, superficial touch is appropriate to avoid placing pressure on the uterus.
Craniosacral therapy during pregnancy is generally considered:
Answer: Safe when applied with gentle, non-invasive holds
Craniosacral therapy uses very light touch and is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained therapist.
During a prenatal massage, the therapist notices the client has varicose veins on the back of the knee. The correct response is to:
Answer: Avoid direct massage over the varicosities
Direct massage over varicose veins is contraindicated because it can dislodge a thrombus or cause further vessel damage.
Which technique is most effective for releasing tension in the thoracic erector spinae of a pregnant client in the side-lying position?
Answer: Unilateral effleurage and petrissage along the paraspinal muscles
Unilateral effleurage followed by petrissage along the paraspinal muscles is effective and safely applied while the client is in a supported side-lying position.
The purpose of using a body pillow between the knees during a side-lying prenatal massage is to:
Answer: Maintain spinal alignment and reduce hip discomfort
A pillow between the knees keeps the hips stacked and maintains lumbopelvic alignment, reducing strain on the SI joints and hip muscles.
Swedish massage's long gliding strokes are particularly beneficial for pregnant clients primarily because they:
Answer: Promote venous return and systemic relaxation without deep pressure
Long gliding Swedish strokes enhance venous return and activate the parasympathetic response, offering relaxation benefits with a low-risk pressure profile.
When using passive range-of-motion techniques on a pregnant client's hip, the therapist should be cautious of:
Answer: Increased joint laxity due to relaxin
Relaxin increases ligament laxity throughout pregnancy, making joints hypermobile and susceptible to overstretching during passive range-of-motion work.