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

Is skin-rolling classified as a primary or secondary stroke in massage therapy?

1. Primary

2. Secondary

3. Tertiary

4. Quaternary

The correct answer is: Secondary

Skin-rolling is classified as a secondary stroke in massage therapy because it involves the manipulation of superficial tissues to facilitate movement and improve circulation. It typically follows primary strokes, such as effleurage or petrissage, which prepare the tissue for more targeted techniques. Secondary strokes are generally characterized by their function of enhancing the overall effects of the primary techniques, increasing blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. Skin-rolling specifically helps in mobilizing the skin and underlying fascia, contributing to improved tissue flexibility and a sense of deeper relaxation. The other classifications do not accurately capture the nature and function of skin-rolling. Primary strokes are those foundational techniques directly applied to the muscle tissue, while tertiary and quaternary classifications are less commonly recognized in standard massage practices and do not apply to skin-rolling. This makes “secondary” the appropriate classification.