Deck 6: Massage Therapy and Research: a Review of the Literature

Question 1

What percentage of clients who discussed massage therapy with their health care providers received a massage recommendation?

A) 15%
B) 33%
C) 61%
D) 92%

Answer 1

C
Explanation: Nineteen % of clients who discussed massage therapy with their health care providers received a massage referral, and 61% received a massage recommendation

Question 2

Current research suggests that massage therapy has which psychological effect?

A) Promotes feelings of well-being
B) Intensifies anxiety and depression
C) Interferes with the mind-body connection
D) Worsens symptoms of hyperactivity

Answer 2

A
Explanation: Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress; promote feelings of well-being; promote a mind-body connection; be useful in treating hyperactivity disorders

Question 3

Which effect does massage therapy have on blood platelets?

A) Increases the count
B) Decreases the count
C) Interferes with their clotting ability
D) Interferes with their replication

Answer 3

A
Explanation: Platelet counts are reactive to many factors such as exercise, mental stress, and several pathologies. Very early studies demonstrated increases in blood platelet count after massage.

Question 4

Research shows that massage has which effect on the musculoskeletal system?

A) Tones weak muscles
B) Decreases range of motion
C) Increases in muscle tension when trigger points are compressed
D) Produces a viscoelastic response and promote muscle healing

Question 5

Which effect does massage therapy have on the cardiovascular system?

A) Increases blood pressure
B) Decreases heart rate
C) Increases inflammatory markers
D) Increases variations in heart rate

Question 6

How does massage therapy influence pain?

A) Everyone one responds the same way to pain so massage techniques need to be uniform
B) Perception of pain has little impact on the effects of massage techniques
C) Very few causes of pain are alleviated due to massage
D) Pain relief can be due to massage causing changes in neurotransmitter levels

Question 7

Which effect did research find massage therapy has on blood and blood circulation?

A) Decreases white blood cell count
B) Increases blood capillary flow rate
C) Increases blood viscosity
D) Decreases blood flow to the skin

Question 8

How does massage therapy influence fatigue?

A) Activates the sympathetic response
B) Improves sleep
C) Worsens symptoms of anxiety
D) Decreases serotonin levels

Question 9

Which condition did research find that manual lymph drainage alleviated?

A) Skin cancer
B) Colitis
C) Trigger points
D) Migraines

Question 10

Which complementary therapy has one of the highest physical referral rates?

A) Aromatherapy
B) Massage therapy
C) Chiropractic medicine
D) Traditional Chinese medicine

Question 11

Research shows that massage has which effect on connective tissues?

A) Reduces scar tissue formation
B) Increases pain and itching in burn scars
C) Decreases scar tissue strength in tendon injuries
D) Slows healing in ligament injuries

Question 12

Which condition is improved by massage therapy on the skin?

A) Eczema
B) Melanoma
C) Impetigo
D) Fungus

Question 13

Research suggests that massage therapy has which effect on the nervous system?

A) Decreases relaxation
B) Increases stress, depression, and anxiety
C) Activates the sympathetic response
D) Improves cognitive and memory functioning

Question 14

Which effect did research find massage therapy has on the musculoskeletal system?

A) Increases headaches
B) Improves range of motion
C) Increases electromyography activity
D) Intensifies muscle spasms

Question 15

Which type of neurotransmitter regulates mood and sleep?

A) Endorphins
B) Dopamine
C) Serotonin
D) Enkephalins

Question 16

Which effect did research find massage therapy has on lymphatic circulation and immunity?

A) Reduces immune response
B) Decreases killer T cell levels
C) Improves lymphatic drainage
D) Increases edema and lymphedema

Question 17

Research indicates that massage improves insulin absorption and circulation, which may be helpful for clients who have which condition?

A) Crohn disease
B) Renal failure
C) Diabetes mellitus
D) Migraine headaches

Question 18

According to the chapter, what is the best way to improve understanding of massage therapy?

A) Experience
B) Education
C) Research
D) Reading

Question 19

Most studies indicate that massage therapy decreases the level of which hormone related to stress?

A) Adrenaline
B) Cortisol
C) Insulin
D) Oxytocin

Question 20

Abdominal massage has been found to be helpful for which condition?

A) Crohn disease
B) Renal failure
C) Diarrhea
D) Constipation