FSMTB MBLEx - Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination

An empty end feel is a case where the therapist cannot determine the true range of motion due to the client contracting their muscles (also known as muscle guarding) to prevent movement. This is typically due to an injury and is recommended to refer the client to seek medical attention.

During a postural assessment evaluation, it is important to note both intrinsic and extrinsic factors for postural deviations. An intrinsic factor would be an internal issue and therefore includes physical abnormalities as a shortened leg. ; An improperly fitted shoe would be an example of an extrinsic factor upon the body.

Long bones possess a cartilaginous zone between the diaphysis (midsection) and the epiphysis (end) called the epiphyseal plate. During childhood this allows the bone to continue growing in length. At some point the cartilage ossifies (becomes bone tissue), leaving a line of demarcation, the epiphyseal line. This indicates the bone has reached its adult length and no further growth in length will occur. However, the bone can continue to grow in diameter.

A condyle is a large rounded area on a bone, usually at a joint articulation. A trochanter is a large projection from a bone. A spine or spinous process is a flat ridge-like flange protruding from a bone, typically a vertebra.

A massage practitioner should never work outside of his or her scope of practice. There are many therapists with varying degrees of training and expertise. The best option is to refer the client to another therapist or medical practitioner with the proper training to better assist the client’s needs.

The deep groove between the greater and lesser tubercules of the humerus is the home of the bicipital tendon which lies in the intertubercular groove, also known as the bicipital groove.

Inert tissues are those that are not contractile such as bone, bursa, blood vessels, cartilage, fat, ligaments, nerves and nerve coverings.

The median nerve passes through the flexor retinaculum of the hand.

Stretch reflex or myotatic reflex is an automatic muscle contraction in response to a stretching of muscle fibers. In this case, during the event of losing balance, muscles are stretched and triggered to automatically contract as a means of regaining balance.