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

Which of the following is NOT one of the eight techniques that elicit a reflexive response?

1. Light Stroking

2. Compression

3. Petrissage

4. Vibrations

The correct answer is: Petrissage

The correct answer indicates that petrissage is not considered one of the eight techniques specifically designed to elicit a reflexive response. Reflexive techniques are primarily aimed at stimulating the nervous system to produce involuntary reactions to touch, aimed at enhancing physiological and psychological effects without necessarily targeting the deeper structures or tissues. Light stroking, compression, and vibrations are examples of techniques typically classified under reflexive approaches because they directly influence the sensory receptors in the skin and stimulate the nervous system. Light stroking can evoke relaxation and influence circulation, compression may stimulate mechanoreceptors affecting pain perception and muscle tension, and vibrations can promote a soothing effect while encouraging muscular responses. Petrissage, on the other hand, generally targets deeper muscle tissues through kneading or squeezing motions and is more focused on muscular relaxation and increasing blood flow rather than invoking immediate reflexive responses. Therefore, it stands apart from the reflexive techniques, which primarily rely on superficial touch and sensory interaction.