Massage Therapy

New York State Massage Therapy Examination Blueprint

This examination blueprint has been prepared from the Massage Therapy job analysis conducted in 2000.

I. Assessment & Evaluation (14% of examination--20 items)

1. Intake Interview-Determination of nature and degree of presenting condition
2. Physical Examination-Evaluation of clients for treatment; gathering information about client's condition; identification of signs and symptoms; understanding medical history and presented diagnosis; assessment of general condition; assessment of energy imbalances using five element theory, eight principles, points and channels/meridians, organ theory
3. Performance of passive, active, and resisted movements to discover contractures, evaluate flexibility, range of motion, muscle strength, areas of pain, etc. Use of palpation to assess overall condition, including discovery and location of abnormalities, spasm, tension, injury, adhesions, etc.
4. Definition of scope of treatment-Communication of expectations of treatment process; communication with primary health care provider; engagement of patient participation in treatment process; referral of patient to other health care provider when necessary

II. Development of a Treatment Plan (29% of examination--40 items)

1. Establishment of goals of treatment from definition of scope of treatment
2. Use of areas of knowledge, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology, in exploring client's condition. Anatomy and Physiology: Includes knowledge of location, structures, and functions of skin-integumentary, muscular (incl. origins, insertions, and actions), nervous (incl. sympathetic, parasympathetic, autonomic), lymphatic, circulatory, immune, digestive, respiratory, skeletal, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems.
3. Selection of appropriate modes of treatment; re-evaluation of initial treatment plan

III. Application of Treatment Skills (51% of examination--72 items)

1. Preparation of self, patient (incl. draping), treatment room. positional supports.
2. Application of Massage Therapy techniques-Including, but not limited to, effleurage, friction, petrissage, vibration, rocking, trigger point therapy, connective tissue therapy, tapotement, joint manipulations, range of motion, polarity, reflexology, energy techniques, myofascial release, etc. Also Shiatsu and other Eastern techniques focusing on treatment of points, channels/meridians, organ theory, tonification, and dispersal.
3. Application of accessory therapeutic techniques-Including, but not limited to, use of heat, cold, and other appropriate applications to the body.
4. Treatment of clients affected by specific conditions, disorders, and diseases-Including, but not limited to, treatment of muscular, nerve, ligament, disc, and bone damage due to strain, injury, repetitive motion, etc.; treatment of muscle atrophy, flaccidity, pain, swelling, inflammation, spasm, tendinitis, circulatory problems, and congestion; separation of adhesions, induction of local hyperemia, promotion of lymph drainage, sedation or stimulation of nerves, etc. Diseases (this list is not exhaustive): osteoporosis, forms of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, respiratory diseases, Parkinson's, HIV+/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, MS, stroke, skin diseases, heart disease, and others.
5. Patient education-esp. exercise, behavior modification to alleviate symptoms/conditions.

IV. Professional Responsibilities, Business Practice and Professional Ethics (6% of examination--8 items)

1. Scope of Practice, esp. knowledge of New York State laws and regulations governing practice of Massage Therapy; terms of licensure, registration, advertisement, etc.
2. Client-record keeping, incl. completeness, retention, privacy of records, etc.
3. Safety and First Aid

• Total Number of Items: 140
• Number of Items Requiring Knowledge of Eastern methods: 20