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

What application is known to have a mechanical effect on the skin?

1. Hot Stone Therapy

2. Cold Mitten Effects

3. Swedish Massage

4. Trigger Point Therapy

The correct answer is: Cold Mitten Effects

The correct choice is the application that produces a mechanical effect on the skin through the use of specific techniques or tools. In the case of cold mitten effects, this technique involves alternately applying cold and warmth via mittens that are soaked in cold water, which creates a distinct mechanical response in the skin. This application not only affects the temperature of the skin but also stimulates the nerve endings and can promote increased circulation or muscle relaxation in the treated areas. Hot stone therapy involves the use of heated stones placed on the body, providing thermal effects rather than a mechanical effect on the skin. Swedish massage incorporates various strokes and movements designed to relax and stimulate the muscles, but it primarily focuses on the muscular system rather than directly manipulating the skin mechanically. Trigger point therapy targets specific areas of tightness within muscles, leading to release through pressure but does not emphasize a mechanical effect on the skin in the same way that the cold mitten effects do.