Massage Practice Test

Anatomy and Physiology 

1 Which system is responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells of the body and assisting in the removal of waste from the cells of the body?

a. Circulatory

b. Lymphatic

c. Respiratory

d. Digestive

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

a. Erythrocytes or red blood cells in the circulatory system carry oxygen (and nutrients) to the cells of the body and transport waste from cells to be processed by other body systems.

Study Online Instantly

Click to Save 50% Now

2 Synarthrosis, amphiarthrosis and diarthrosis refers to _______________.

a. cellular functions

b. joint movements

c. nervous system functions

d. digestive function

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

b - All three are classifications of joint movements. An example of a synarthrosis joint is the skull sutures which permit little to no mobility. An example of amphiarthrosis joint is the cartilage of the vertebra which permits slight mobility. Examples of the diarthrosis joint are the shoulders, hips and knees which permit a wide range of movements.

Kinesiology 

3 What is the name of the movement that allows a person to stand on their toes?

a. Plantar flexion

b. Dorsiflexion

c. Inversion

d. Eversion

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

a - Plantar flexion is the movement that increases the angle between the shin and the superior surface of the foot which allows a person to stand on their toes.

4 Protraction of the scapula brings the medial border of the scapula closer to the spine.

True

False

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

False - Protraction of the scapula expands the space between the spine and the medial border of the scapula. The action for bringing the scapula closer to the spine is retraction.

Pathology and Contraindications 

5 A person who is complaining of feeling cranky and nervous, having frequent headaches, sleeping trouble, shaking or trembling, tingly or numbness in skin and unclear thinking could be suffering from which of the following conditions?

a. Hyperglycemic

b. Hypoglycemic

c. Depression

d. ADHD

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

b - All of the symptoms above are issues relating to hypoglycemia or decreased levels of blood sugar. Hypoglycemia occurs when your body's sugar (glucose) is used up too quickly, when too little glucose is released into the blood system or when too much insulin is released due to excessive sugar intake via food or drink.

6 What is a scientific benefit of aromatherapy in relation to allopathic medicine?

a. Relaxation

b. Energizing

c. Antimicrobial

d. Pain relief

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

c - Aromatherapy uses plant based essential oils for the treatment of various conditions. Many of the oils possess antimicrobial properties and have been incorporated into western medical treatments to fight against infections and disease.

Client Assessment 

7 A client has recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which of the following symptoms would you expect to notice about the client?

a. Nervousness

b. Fatigue and dullness

c. Weight gain

d. Sensitivity to cold

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

a - Nervousness, a racing heart, trembling hands and anxiety are all common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones which speed up chemical processes and metabolism within the body. The other answers are symptoms of hypothyroidism.

8 A regular client has recently complained of pain in the arches of their feet. Which of the following healthcare providers should you refer your client to?

a. Physical Therapist

b. Chiropractor

c. Orthopedist

d. Podiatrist

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

d - A Podiatrist is a doctor devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect the foot, ankle and lower leg. Practitioners of podiatry may focus on varying specialties within the field including primary care, orthopedics, biomechanics, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine and surgery. Having an understanding of the different branches of medical providers will increase your effectiveness with your clients and allow for a better network of practitioners.

Physiological Effects of Massage 

9 How much time is generally needed of sustained touch to engage the parasympathetic nervous system?

a. 2 minutes

b. 8-10 minutes

c. 15 minutes

d. 30 minutes

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

c - Touch can initially trigger the sympathetic nervous system. However, after a sustained period of 15 minutes, the parasympathetic nervous system engages. Once this engagement occurs, the release of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins and a decrease in cortisol will aid and assist in the healing process of massage.

10 Which of the following anatomy does craniosacral therapy directly affect?

a. Digestion

b. Cerebrospinal fluid

c. Lymph

d. Interstitial fluid

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

b - The craniosacral system consists of the skull, vertebrae, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. The purpose of craniosacral therapy is to rebalance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to restore sensory, motor and intellectual function.

Ethics, Boundaries, Rules and Regulations 

11 What do boundaries clarify?

a. Our needs and desires

b. Our need to protect ourselves

c. Our need to protect our clients

d. Our personal limits and expectations

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

d - Having clear boundaries will assist the massage therapist in knowing when a personal limit has been reached and what can be expected from the therapist and the client within a professional relationship.

Anatomy and Physiology 

12 A potential client calls to make an appointment for a massage. You notice that they are slurring their words and having difficulty speaking in complete sentences. They claim they were in an auto accident yesterday but declined medical attention. They awoke this morning feeling very sore and achy as well as having a pounding headache. They insist they need a massage. What is the appropriate plan of action for the massage therapist?

a. Book the appointment immediately

b. Book them within next week

c. Refer to another therapist

d. Immediately refer them to a doctor

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

d - A person who has been in an auto accident could have any number of injuries including shock. For the safety of the client and your protection as a therapist, the best recommendation is to refer the client for a medical evaluation before any treatment is considered.

Physiological Effects of Massage 

13 Which of the following anatomy does craniosacral therapy directly affect?

a. Digestion

b. Cerebrospinal fluid

c. Lymph

d. Interstitial fluid

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

b - The craniosacral system consists of the skull, vertebrae, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. The purpose of craniosacral therapy is to rebalance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to restore sensory, motor and intellectual function.

Ethics, Boundaries, Rules and Regulations 

14 What do boundaries clarify?

a. Our needs and desires

b. Our need to protect ourselves

c. Our need to protect our clients

d. Our personal limits and expectations

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

d - Having clear boundaries will assist the massage therapist in knowing when a personal limit has been reached and what can be expected from the therapist and the client within a professional relationship.

Study Online Instantly

Click to Save 50% Now

15 A potential client calls to make an appointment for a massage. You notice that they are slurring their words and having difficulty speaking in complete sentences. They claim they were in an auto accident yesterday but declined medical attention. They awoke this morning feeling very sore and achy as well as having a pounding headache. They insist they need a massage. What is the appropriate plan of action for the massage therapist?

a. Book the appointment immediately

b. Book them within next week

c. Refer to another therapist

d. Immediately refer them to a doctor

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

d - A person who has been in an auto accident could have any number of injuries including shock. For the safety of the client and your protection as a therapist, the best recommendation is to refer the client for a medical evaluation before any treatment is considered.

Guidelines for Professional Practice 

16 Within the therapeutic relationship with a client, what is the primary focus?

a. Developing a friendship with the client

b. Creating a sense of community with the client

c. The well being of the client

d. Being the best massage therapist ever

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

c - The goal within the therapeutic relationship is the health and well being of the client. The other answers are not aspects of the therapeutic relationship.

17 A client states that you remind them of their mother. What is this is an example of?

a. Countertransference

b. Instability

c. Transference

d. Transience

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

c - Transference is a psychological phenomenon in which a person unconsciously redirects their feelings about one person onto another. This often occurs with people transferring feelings about their parents onto figures they perceive to be in an authority role.

Massage History and Culture 

18 From which of the following civilizations is massage therapy said to originate?

a. Chinese

b. Japanese

c. Indians

d. Greeks

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

a - Although there are differences in opinion to the true origin of massage therapy, the popular belief and correct answer is the Chinese.

19 Polarity therapy is associated with which of the following categories?

a. Medical massage

b. General relaxation massage

c. Sports massage

d. Energy massage

Incorrect. Please choose another answer.

d - The basic theory of polarity therapy is based upon the foundation that good health begins with balancing the three human energy fields. The fields are long line currents, transverse currents and spiral currents.