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TEXAS MASSAGE THERAPY LICENSING
ACTUAL EXAM PREP 2026 ALL QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS ALREADY
A GRADED WITH EXPERT FEEDBACK |NEW
AND REVISED
1. Which body system is primarily responsible for transporting
oxygen and nutrients throughout the body?
A. Nervous system
B. Respiratory system
C. Circulatory system
D. Digestive system
Rationale: The circulatory system transports oxygen, nutrients,
hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
2. A massage therapist should avoid deep tissue massage over an area
with:
A. Mild muscle soreness
B. Healthy tissue
C. Acute inflammation
D. Chronic tension
Rationale: Acute inflammation is a contraindication to deep pressure
because it may worsen tissue damage.
3. Which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the elbow?
A. Trapezius
B. Gastrocnemius
C. Biceps brachii
D. Gluteus maximus
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Rationale: The biceps brachii is the primary elbow flexor.
4. A client reports numbness and tingling during a massage. What
should the therapist do first?
A. Increase pressure
B. Ignore the complaint
C. Stop and reassess the area
D. Continue treatment quickly
Rationale: Numbness and tingling may indicate nerve compression or
irritation and require reassessment.
5. Which term refers to the movement of a limb away from the
midline of the body?
A. Flexion
B. Extension
C. Rotation
D. Abduction
Rationale: Abduction is movement away from the body’s midline.
6. Which condition is an absolute contraindication for massage?
A. Mild arthritis
B. Chronic stress
C. Fever with contagious illness
D. Muscle tightness
Rationale: Massage should not be performed on clients with
contagious febrile illnesses.
7. Which type of joint is found in the shoulder?
A. Hinge joint
B. Pivot joint
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C. Ball-and-socket joint
D. Saddle joint
Rationale: The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint allowing
multidirectional movement.
8. What is the primary purpose of effleurage?
A. Break adhesions
B. Stimulate trigger points
C. Warm tissues and promote circulation
D. Increase joint instability
Rationale: Effleurage is used to warm tissues and prepare the body for
deeper techniques.
9. A therapist should immediately wash hands:
A. Only before work
B. Only after lunch
C. Before and after each client
D. Once daily
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene prevents infection transmission.
10. Which cranial nerve is responsible for smell?
A. Optic
B. Vagus
C. Facial
D. Olfactory
Rationale: The olfactory nerve controls the sense of smell.
11. Which position best protects therapist body mechanics during
massage?
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A. Locked knees
B. Rounded shoulders
C. Neutral spine alignment
D. Twisting while applying pressure
Rationale: Neutral posture reduces therapist injury risk.
12. What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
A. Produce insulin
B. Pump blood
C. Remove excess fluid and support immunity
D. Regulate hormones
Rationale: The lymphatic system supports immune defense and fluid
balance.
13. Which massage technique involves rhythmic compression
and lifting of tissue?
A. Effleurage
B. Friction
C. Tapotement
D. Petrissage
Rationale: Petrissage kneads and lifts soft tissue.
14. A client taking anticoagulants is at increased risk for:
A. Hypertension
B. Muscle hypertrophy
C. Bruising and bleeding
D. Hyperactivity
Rationale: Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk during massage.
15. Which muscle is commonly known as the calf muscle?
TEXAS MASSAGE THERAPY LICENSING
ACTUAL EXAM PREP 2026 ALL QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS ALREADY
A GRADED WITH EXPERT FEEDBACK |NEW
AND REVISED
1. Which body system is primarily responsible for transporting
oxygen and nutrients throughout the body?
A. Nervous system
B. Respiratory system
C. Circulatory system
D. Digestive system
Rationale: The circulatory system transports oxygen, nutrients,
hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
2. A massage therapist should avoid deep tissue massage over an area
with:
A. Mild muscle soreness
B. Healthy tissue
C. Acute inflammation
D. Chronic tension
Rationale: Acute inflammation is a contraindication to deep pressure
because it may worsen tissue damage.
3. Which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the elbow?
A. Trapezius
B. Gastrocnemius
C. Biceps brachii
D. Gluteus maximus
,2|Page
Rationale: The biceps brachii is the primary elbow flexor.
4. A client reports numbness and tingling during a massage. What
should the therapist do first?
A. Increase pressure
B. Ignore the complaint
C. Stop and reassess the area
D. Continue treatment quickly
Rationale: Numbness and tingling may indicate nerve compression or
irritation and require reassessment.
5. Which term refers to the movement of a limb away from the
midline of the body?
A. Flexion
B. Extension
C. Rotation
D. Abduction
Rationale: Abduction is movement away from the body’s midline.
6. Which condition is an absolute contraindication for massage?
A. Mild arthritis
B. Chronic stress
C. Fever with contagious illness
D. Muscle tightness
Rationale: Massage should not be performed on clients with
contagious febrile illnesses.
7. Which type of joint is found in the shoulder?
A. Hinge joint
B. Pivot joint
,3|Page
C. Ball-and-socket joint
D. Saddle joint
Rationale: The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint allowing
multidirectional movement.
8. What is the primary purpose of effleurage?
A. Break adhesions
B. Stimulate trigger points
C. Warm tissues and promote circulation
D. Increase joint instability
Rationale: Effleurage is used to warm tissues and prepare the body for
deeper techniques.
9. A therapist should immediately wash hands:
A. Only before work
B. Only after lunch
C. Before and after each client
D. Once daily
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene prevents infection transmission.
10. Which cranial nerve is responsible for smell?
A. Optic
B. Vagus
C. Facial
D. Olfactory
Rationale: The olfactory nerve controls the sense of smell.
11. Which position best protects therapist body mechanics during
massage?
, 4|Page
A. Locked knees
B. Rounded shoulders
C. Neutral spine alignment
D. Twisting while applying pressure
Rationale: Neutral posture reduces therapist injury risk.
12. What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
A. Produce insulin
B. Pump blood
C. Remove excess fluid and support immunity
D. Regulate hormones
Rationale: The lymphatic system supports immune defense and fluid
balance.
13. Which massage technique involves rhythmic compression
and lifting of tissue?
A. Effleurage
B. Friction
C. Tapotement
D. Petrissage
Rationale: Petrissage kneads and lifts soft tissue.
14. A client taking anticoagulants is at increased risk for:
A. Hypertension
B. Muscle hypertrophy
C. Bruising and bleeding
D. Hyperactivity
Rationale: Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk during massage.
15. Which muscle is commonly known as the calf muscle?
