Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Techniques
Domain overview
Questions test technique selection and safe application: Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial, trigger point, neuromuscular, lymphatic, prenatal, geriatric, and sports massage. You must match technique to goal, condition, and client tolerance, and adapt pressure, positioning, and draping.
Core rules
- Choose techniques based on assessment findings, not routine.
- Observe endangerment sites: anterior triangle of the neck, axilla, cubital fossa, popliteal fossa, kidneys, and bony prominences.
- Use body mechanics: stance, table height, relaxed shoulders, and leverage to protect your joints.
- Draping and informed consent are required; expose only the area being worked.
- Adapt for pregnancy, older adults, cancer, anticoagulant use, and acute injury.
- Use bolsters and positioning to support comfort and safety.
- Hydration and hygiene apply to tools, linens, and hands.
Worked example
A client with a suspected deep vein thrombosis (unilateral calf swelling, warmth, pain) requests deep calf massage. Reasoning: massage could dislodge a thrombus and cause pulmonary embolism. Do not massage the area; document, refer urgently, and avoid compression.
Traps that cost marks
- Deep pressure over the carotid sinus or kidneys.
- Using trigger point work on an acute strain.
- Assuming pregnancy massage is contraindicated altogether; it is modified, not automatically prohibited.
- Forgetting to ask about anticoagulants.