PMC Massage Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stroke is most appropriate for reducing edema in a pregnant client's lower legs?
- Deep tissue cross-fiber friction
- Effleurage directed toward the heart (Correct answer)
- Petrissage on the calf muscles
- Tapotement on the ankle
Correct answer: Effleurage directed toward the heart
Effleurage directed proximally (toward the heart) encourages lymphatic and venous return, helping to reduce pregnancy-related edema.
Question 2: During a prenatal massage, deep pressure over the medial ankle is contraindicated primarily because this area contains:
- The tibial nerve
- Acupressure points associated with uterine stimulation (Correct answer)
- The great saphenous vein
- A common site for varicose veins
Correct answer: Acupressure points associated with uterine stimulation
The medial ankle houses acupressure points (Spleen 6) traditionally associated with stimulating uterine contractions, making deep pressure there contraindicated.
Question 3: What is the primary benefit of using myofascial release techniques on the round ligaments during pregnancy?
- To stimulate fetal movement
- To reduce ligament laxity caused by relaxin
- To relieve tension and discomfort as the uterus expands (Correct answer)
- To increase joint mobility in the pelvis
Correct answer: To relieve tension and discomfort as the uterus expands
Gentle myofascial release on the round ligaments can ease the pulling pain and discomfort that occurs as these ligaments stretch with uterine growth.
Question 4: A therapist uses slow, rhythmic rocking movements during a prenatal session. This technique primarily targets:
- Deep muscle fiber adhesions
- The nervous system to induce relaxation (Correct answer)
- Lymphatic vessel contraction
- Trigger point deactivation
Correct answer: The nervous system to induce relaxation
Rhythmic rocking stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones beneficial to both mother and fetus.
Question 5: When performing petrissage on a pregnant client's shoulders, which modification is most important?
- Avoid all petrissage after the first trimester
- Use only one hand to avoid excessive pressure
- Ensure positioning supports the client comfortably without compressing the abdomen (Correct answer)
- Apply petrissage only in a downward direction
Correct answer: Ensure positioning supports the client comfortably without compressing the abdomen
Proper positioning that prevents abdominal compression is the most critical modification when performing any technique on a pregnant client.
Question 6: Which prenatal massage technique is best suited for addressing the increased lumbar lordosis common in the third trimester?
- Tapotement along the lumbar spine
- Neuromuscular therapy targeting paraspinal muscles (Correct answer)
- Cross-fiber friction on lumbar vertebrae
- Compression over the sacrum with client supine
Correct answer: Neuromuscular therapy targeting paraspinal muscles
Neuromuscular therapy applied to paraspinal muscles can release hypertonic tissue contributing to the exaggerated lumbar curve and associated low back pain.
Question 7: Gentle compression applied to the glutes in a side-lying prenatal client is most useful for:
- Stimulating the sciatic nerve
- Releasing tension in the piriformis and external rotators (Correct answer)
- Increasing blood pressure in the lower limb
- Deactivating trigger points in the quadriceps
Correct answer: Releasing tension in the piriformis and external rotators
Gentle glute compression can release the piriformis and external hip rotators, which commonly become hypertonic due to pregnancy-related postural shifts.
PMC Massage Techniques 2
Which stroke is most appropriate for reducing edema in a pregnant client's lower legs?