Free New York State Massage Therapy Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the New York State Massage Therapy Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During a first visit, which information should the therapist obtain before deciding whether massage is appropriate?

   1. A. A complete health history, including current conditions and medications
   2. B. A list of prior massage styles and preferred pressure
   3. C. The client's treatment goals and scheduling limits
   4. D. The client's occupation and usual physical activities

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NYSED identifies a health history as part of the intake interview used when first evaluating a client. The controlling source states: "A work setting does not change the standards of good practice for licensed massage therapists. Massage therapists should be aware of the current state of the client or patients' health and their use of medication, as well as anything of significance in the health history, to avoid the possibility of harm."

   Reference: NYS Massage Therapy:Questions & Answers — Health history in a work setting

2. 2A muscle develops tension while its length stays unchanged during testing. Which contraction is occurring?

   1. A. Concentric
   2. B. Eccentric
   3. C. Isotonic
   4. D. Isometric

   Answer: D

   Explanation: NCBI defines isometric contraction as tension changing without muscle length changing. The controlling source states: "Isometric striated muscle contraction is characterized by a change in muscle tension without a change in muscle length."

   Reference: Physiology, Muscle Contraction - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Types of Striated Muscle Contraction

3. 3Before breast tissue is undraped for indicated treatment, what must occur?

   1. A. The client is fully informed and gives consent before undraping
   2. B. The client gives general consent at the initial intake
   3. C. The therapist documents the clinical indication after treatment
   4. D. A second practitioner confirms that treatment is indicated

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NYSED requires full information and consent before undraping breast tissue for treatment. The controlling source states: "When massage of breast tissue is therapeutically indicated, the female patient/client must be fully informed and give consent before the therapist undrapes the breast for treatment."

   Reference: NYS Massage Therapy:Practice Guidelines — Consent

4. 4During the first trimester of pregnancy, which work should be excluded?

   1. A. Gentle hand massage
   2. B. Supported scalp work
   3. C. Light foot contact
   4. D. Deep sacral work

   Answer: D

   Explanation: NYSED states that no deep sacral work or abdominal massage should be done in the first trimester. The controlling source states: "In the first trimester of pregnancy, no deep sacral work or abdominal massage should be done."

   Reference: NYS Massage Therapy:Precautions — Practitioners should observe these guidelines

5. 5Before discussing a client's condition with another practitioner, what should the therapist generally obtain?

   1. A. A referral note from the other practitioner
   2. B. The other practitioner's agreement to speak
   3. C. A general release used for all clients
   4. D. The client's consent to confer

   Answer: D

   Explanation: NYSED states that conferring with another practitioner may occur only with the client's consent. The controlling source states: "While you may assist the patient in making a referral, or confer with another health care practitioner, you may only do so with the consent of the patient."

   Reference: NYS Massage Therapy:Questions & Answers — Professional Practice Issues

6. 6A returning client reports starting a blood-thinning medication. What is the most relevant intake follow-up?

   1. A. Clarify whether the medication may reduce sensation
   2. B. Clarify the medication and possible enhanced bleeding
   3. C. Clarify whether it may increase joint mobility
   4. D. Clarify whether it may cause local inflammation

   Answer: B

   Explanation: NYSED directs therapists to use caution when medication may lead to enhanced bleeding. The controlling source states: "If the patient/client is on any medication that would be expected to weaken bone structure and/or connective tissue or lead to enhanced bleeding"

   Reference: NYS Massage Therapy:Precautions — Use caution in treating a patient or client

7. 7During a resisted elbow curl, the biceps shortens while producing force. Which contraction is observed?

   1. A. Concentric contraction
   2. B. Isotonic lengthening
   3. C. Static isometric contraction
   4. D. Unassisted passive motion

   Answer: A

   Explanation: NCBI states that concentric contraction occurs when muscle tension exceeds the load and the muscle shortens. The controlling source states: "Concentric striated muscle contraction occurs when the muscle tension exceeds the load, causing the muscle to contract and shorten."

   Reference: Physiology, Muscle Contraction - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Types of Striated Muscle Contraction

8. 8What should be done to a treatment table before it is used for the next client?

   1. A. Disinfect it only when the prior client had a known infection
   2. B. Replace the table covering without cleaning the surface
   3. C. Clean it with an appropriate agent between clients
   4. D. Clean it only when visible residue remains

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Part 29 requires appropriate cleaning of equipment that touches intact skin. The controlling source states: "cleaning, by the use of appropriate agents, including but not limited to detergents, equipment and devices which do not touch the patient or that only touch the intact skin of the patient"

   Reference: NYS Rules Of The Board Of Regents:Part 29 — § 29.2(a)(13)(vii)

9. 9A client has medication-associated connective-tissue weakness. Which approach is most appropriate?

   1. A. Use firm pressure only on areas with normal sensation
   2. B. Proceed if the client accepts possible bruising
   3. C. Test tissue tolerance with brief percussion
   4. D. Select a cautious, modified approach

   Answer: D

   Explanation: NYSED identifies medication expected to weaken connective tissue as requiring caution. The controlling source states: "If the patient/client is on any medication that would be expected to weaken bone structure and/or connective tissue or lead to enhanced bleeding"

   Reference: NYS Massage Therapy:Precautions — Use caution in treating a patient or client

10. 10Which title may only a person licensed under New York Article 155 use?

    1. A. Massage practitioner
    2. B. Therapeutic bodyworker
    3. C. Manual therapy specialist
    4. D. Massage therapist

    Answer: D

    Explanation: Section 7802 reserves the title massage therapist and related titles to persons licensed under Article 155. The controlling source states: "Only a person licensed under this article shall use the title "masseur", "masseuse" or "massage therapist"."

    Reference: NYS Massage Therapy:Laws, Rules & Regulations:Article 155 — § 7802