Ch. 6. Effects, Benefits, Indications & Contraindications

Question 1

What is a contraindication?

Answer 1

A contraindication is any physical, emotional, or mental condition that could cause a particular massage treatment to be unsafe or detrimental to the client’s well-being. It is a medical reason not to massage.

Question 2

What is a contusion?

Answer 2

A contusion or bruise is a common type of hematoma that is generally not too serious. They usually occur as a result of a blow that breaks a blood vessel.

Question 3

What is hematoma?

Answer 3

A mass of blood trapped in some tissue or cavity of the body that is the result of internal bleeding.

Question 4

What is lymphedema?

Answer 4

An accumulation of interstitial fluid, or swelling, in the soft tissues caused by inflammation, blockage, or removal of the lymph channels.

Question 5

What is phlebitis?

Answer 5

An inflammation of a vein accompanied by pain and swelling.

Question 6

What does the nervous system do?

Answer 6

It controls and coordinates all the body systems and includes the nerves, spinal cord, and brain.

Question 7

What is serotonin?

Answer 7

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve impulses and influences mood, behavior, appetite, blood pressure, temperature regulation, memory, and learning ability.

Question 8

What is epinephrine/adrenaline?

Answer 8

A “fight-or flight” hormone that prepares the body to respond to emergencies.

Question 9

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

Answer 9

It is responsible for preparing the body to expend energy in response to emergency situations.

Question 10

What is central sensitization?

Answer 10

A condition of the central nervous system associated with the development and maintenance of chronic pain.

Question 11

What is thrombophlebitis?

Answer 11

The inflammation of veins from blood clots

Question 12

What is high blood pressure?

Answer 12

It is an elevated pressure of the blood against the artery walls.

Question 13

What is dopamine?

Answer 13

A neurotransmitter that controls fine movement, emotional response, and the ability to experience pleasure and pain.

Question 14

What is homeostasis?

Answer 14

The internal balance of the body.

Question 15

What does the central nervous system consist of?

Answer 15

The brain and spinal cord.

Question 16

What does the peripheral nervous system consist of?

Answer 16

All the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

Question 17

What is gate control theory?

Answer 17

It posits that the positive effects of relaxing massage interrupt the transmission of pain sensations of affected nociceptors from entering the central nervous system by stimulating other cutaneous receptors.

Question 18

What is edema?

Answer 18

A condition of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces.

Question 19

What is an aneurysm?

Answer 19

A local distention or ballooning of an artery due to a weakening wall.

Question 20

What is cancer?

Answer 20

The uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.

Question 21

What is hyperemia?

Answer 21

Increased blood in an area of the body.

Question 22

What is norepinephrine?

Answer 22

A “fight-or-flight” hormone that prepares the body to respond to emergencies.

Question 23

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

Answer 23

Functions to conserve energy and reverse the action of the sympathetic division.

Question 24

What is an embolus?

Answer 24

A piece of a clot that loosens and floats in the blood.

Question 25

What are the two types of physiologic effects of massage?

Answer 25

-Mechanical effects, which are direct physical effects of massage
-Reflex effects, which are indirect responses to touch

Question 26

Name some physical benefits of massage.

Answer 26

Increases metabolism.
Hastens healing.
Relaxes and refreshes the muscles.
Improves the function of the lymphatic system.
Helps prevent and/or relieve muscle cramps and spasms.
Enhances local fluid movement, improving delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

Question 27

What are two types of effects massage can have?

Answer 27

1. A structural effect - such as increasing the range of motion of a joint.
2. A systemic effect such as soothing anxiety or depression.

Question 28

Name the psychological benefits of massage.

Answer 28

Stress relief
Sense of relaxation
Mental clarity
Renewed energy

Question 29

What are the effects of massage on the muscular system?

Answer 29

Enhances local fluid uptake in muscles
Deforms sensory and proprioceptive nerves
Stretches or compresses muscle or connective tissues
Relaxes or resets muscle tone
Causes hyperemia (increased blood flow)
Warms the tissues

Question 30

What are the stimulating massage techniques?

Answer 30

Friction
Percussion
Vibration

Question 31

What are the sedative massage techniques?

Answer 31

Gentle gliding
Light friction and kneading movements
Holding pressure on a sensitive trigger point

Question 32

What happens when the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated?

Answer 32

The heart rate accelerates
Blood is diverted to the muscles
Elimination and digestion are inhibited
Adrenal secretions (epinephrine and norepinephrine) are increased
Sweat glands are activated

Question 33

What happens when the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated?

Answer 33

The heart rate reduces
There is increased digestion and elimination
There is increased circulation to internal organs

Question 34

What is attained by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems working together?

Answer 34

Homeostasis

Question 35

Initial massage alerts the sympathetic nervous system. True or false?

Answer 35

True

Question 36

What does longer, relaxing massage do to the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 36

It sedates the sympathetic nervous system and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous
system.

Question 37

What is the effect of massage on neurotransmitters?

Answer 37

It reduces blood levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine
It increases levels of serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and enkephalins

Question 38

Name three ways that massage effects pain.

Answer 38

• Through gate control theory
• It soothes chronic pain associated with central sensitization
• Increases the release of endorphins, enkephalins, and other pain-reducing neurochemicals in the CNS and bloodstream

Question 39

What are the ways massage affects the circulatory system?

Answer 39

It increases the quality and quantity of blood flow
It improves cellular nutrition and elimination
It decreases the workload on the heart
It increases the number of blood cells
It possibly strengthens the immune system
It tones the muscular walls of blood vessels

Question 40

What are the main psychological benefits of massage?

Answer 40

Rebuilds self-image and self-worth
Reduces depression and anxiety
Promotes relaxation and mental alertness
Encourages proper nutrition and exercise
Increases awareness of tension
Is considered preventive maintenance

Question 41

What are the three types of contraindications?

Answer 41

Absolute (massage is never appropriate)
Regional (massage is prohibited only for part of the body)
Conditional (massage requires adaptations or adjustments)

Question 42

When should the practitioner identify contraindications?

Answer 42

During the intake consultation.

Question 43

Name the common massage contraindications.

Answer 43

Abnormal body temperature or fever
Acute infectious disease
Inflammation
Osteoporosis
Varicose veins
Phlebitis
Postsurgical
Aneurosa or aneurysm
Hematoma
Edema
Lymphedema
High blood pressure
Cancer
Fatigue
Intoxication
Psychosis
Medication and drugs
Pregnancy
Skin problems
Hernia
Frail older people
Scoliosis
Specific conditions

Question 44

Name the endangerment sites

Answer 44

Inferior to the ear
Anterior triangle of the neck
Posterior triangle of the neck
Axilla
Medial brachium
Cubital area of the elbow
Ulnar notch of the elbow
Femoral triangle
Popliteal fossa
Abdomen
Upper lumbar area