Allied Health · MBLEx

Massage Therapy MBLEx Basics

Anatomy, kinesiology, and massage technique fundamentals tested on the MBLEx licensing exam.

40 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

Study this set free Get FlashKeepers for iPhone
What is the primary function of ligaments?
To connect bone to bone and provide joint stability
Name the three layers of muscle connective tissue, from innermost to outermost.
Endomysium, perimysium, epimysium
What is the term for the fluid that surrounds joints and reduces friction?
Synovial fluid
In which plane of motion does flexion and extension occur?
Sagittal plane
What is the movement that brings a limb toward the midline of the body?
Adduction
Define supination of the forearm.
Rotation of the forearm so the palm faces upward
Which massage technique uses long, flowing strokes in the direction of blood return to the heart?
Effleurage
What is petrissage?
A massage technique using kneading motions to compress, lift, and roll tissue
What is tapotement in massage therapy?
Percussion strokes using the hands in rapid, rhythmic patterns
What does friction massage target?
Deep layers of muscle tissue and connective tissue
What is the primary effect of massage on the circulatory system?
It increases blood flow to the massaged tissues
How does massage affect muscle tension?
It reduces muscle tension through relaxation and increased circulation
What is the gate control theory of pain?
A theory that non-painful stimuli can block pain signals from reaching the brain
Which nerve system is activated by relaxing massage strokes?
The parasympathetic nervous system
What is a contraindication for massage?
A condition that makes massage inadvisable or unsafe for a client

25 more cards in the app