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

What therapeutic technique is often applied to manage shoulder pain and restore mobility?

1. Joint mobilization

2. Deep tissue massage

3. Myofascial release

4. Therapeutic ultrasound

The correct answer is: Joint mobilization

Joint mobilization is a therapeutic technique specifically designed to restore movement and improve function in joints, making it particularly effective for managing shoulder pain. This technique involves the application of controlled movements to the joints, aimed at increasing the range of motion, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain. Joint mobilization can help in realigning the joint surfaces and restoring proper function, which is essential in cases of shoulder pain where mobility is affected. While deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and therapeutic ultrasound are also beneficial for various musculoskeletal conditions, they serve different purposes. Deep tissue massage focuses on relieving tension in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, which can help with pain relief, but it doesn’t specifically target joint movement. Myofascial release aims to relieve pain by releasing tension in the fascia and improving blood flow but is more about soft tissue manipulation than joint movement. Therapeutic ultrasound utilizes sound waves to promote tissue healing and pain relief, but it is not a hands-on method to directly mobilize joints. Therefore, joint mobilization is the most appropriate technique for specifically addressing shoulder pain and enhancing mobility in that region.