Emotional Release
What does emotional release mean in a massage session?
An unexpected emotional response during or shortly after massage.
What are the three parts of the biopsychosocial model?
Biological, psychological, and social.
What is muscle guarding?
Protective tightening or bracing of muscles.
What makes a massage appointment a ritual of self-care rather than simply a routine?
Making time for care and giving the experience personal meaning.
What are two examples of emotional expression during massage?
Tears and laughter.
A recent muscle injury is an example of which type of biopsychosocial factor?
A biological factor.
What is interoception?
Sensing and interpreting signals from inside the body.
What three qualities should a massage therapist’s constructive Caregiver image communicate?
Care, knowledge, and professional trust.
What should a therapist do first when a client becomes tearful or distressed?
Pause contact and keep the client properly draped.
Fear of being injured again is an example of which type of biopsychosocial factor?
A psychological factor.
Give an example of a statement that describes body sensations without explaining their cause.
“I notice my heartbeat and tension in my shoulders.” Accept another statement that reports sensations without assigning a cause.
What is an archetype, and what is one massage-related example?
An archetype is a recurring role or pattern. The Caregiver is one example
Why should a therapist ask for consent again before continuing after an emotional response?
To confirm that the client wants and feels comfortable with continued touch.
Support from family and friends is an example of which type of biopsychosocial factor?
A social factor.
What changes in breathing and muscle tension commonly occur during a fight-or-flight response?
Breathing becomes faster, and muscle tension increases.
Why did Pavlov’s dogs begin salivating before food reached their mouths?
They had learned that certain cues predicted feeding.
Why should a therapist avoid trying to make a client cry or release emotions?
Emotional expression is not a required treatment goal.
How can the biopsychosocial model help a therapist adjust a massage session?
It helps the therapist adapt care to the client’s needs and circumstances by considering biological, psychological, and social influences.
What does the phrase “trauma is stored in the body” most accurately describe?
Learned stress responses and protective body patterns that can persist. It does not mean that muscles literally store emotional memories.
What is the difference between a placebo effect and a nocebo effect?
A placebo effect involves benefit associated with expectations or learned context. A nocebo effect involves worsening associated with expectations or learned context.