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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia exam with our high-quality resources. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Elevate your exam readiness!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


How long should friction be applied during treatment?

  1. 5 minutes

  2. 10 minutes

  3. Until analgesia is achieved, gradually working up to 15 minutes

  4. 15 to 20 minutes

The correct answer is: Until analgesia is achieved, gradually working up to 15 minutes

Friction techniques are often employed in massage therapy to enhance tissue mobility, alleviate pain, and promote healing. The correct approach specifies that friction should be applied until analgesia is achieved. This means that the therapist should continue the application of friction until the patient reports a reduction in pain or discomfort, which can lead to a beneficial response in the tissues involved. It's important to gradually work up to a duration of around 15 minutes, as this allows the therapist to assess the client's pain levels and adjust the pressure and duration accordingly. Each client's response to friction can vary significantly based on their condition, sensitivity, and the specific area being treated. In essence, the emphasis is on tailoring the treatment to the patient's needs, rather than adhering strictly to a predetermined time frame. This patient-centered approach increases the effectiveness of the technique and ensures that it is delivered safely and appropriately, respecting the client's pain threshold and comfort levels.