College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Adaptive shortening of muscle, fascia, and joint capsule is indicative of which condition?

1. Hypertrophy

2. Contracture

3. Atrophy

4. Spasm

The correct answer is: Contracture

Adaptive shortening of muscle, fascia, and joint capsule is indicative of contracture. This condition occurs when muscles, fascia, and joint capsules become permanently shortened due to factors such as inactivity, immobilization, or specific postural habits. This shortening can lead to decreased range of motion in the affected joints and can affect overall mobility. Understanding contractures is crucial for massage therapists and other healthcare professionals, as they often need to address the implications of limited movement in their clients. Contractures can result from conditions like prolonged bed rest, neurological impairments, or repetitive stress injuries, which can all contribute to the characteristic shortening of tissues associated with this condition. Hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of muscle fibers, typically in response to resistance training, and does not imply a shortening of tissues. Atrophy involves a decrease in muscle mass and is generally the result of disuse or disease, which is opposite to what is described in the question. A spasm is characterized by an involuntary muscle contraction that can be temporary rather than a permanent change in muscle length. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for effective treatment planning and rehabilitation strategies, particularly in restoring functional movement and flexibility in affected clients.