Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

A practitioner performing superficial strokes on a client creates what type of effect?

1. Mechanical

2. Chemical

3. Reflexive

4. Thermal

The correct answer is: Reflexive

When a practitioner performs superficial strokes on a client, the primary effect produced is reflexive. This is because superficial strokes engage the sensory receptors located in the skin, which are highly sensitive and respond to light touch. Stimulating these receptors can influence the nervous system, leading to reflex responses that promote relaxation and a general sense of well-being. Reflexive effects are significant in massage therapy, as the body can respond to such gentle stimuli with changes in muscle tension and circulation, helping to induce a state of relaxation. This effect can be particularly beneficial for clients looking to reduce stress and tension. While mechanical, chemical, and thermal effects also play a role in various types of massage techniques, they are more associated with deeper pressures or specific applications. For example, mechanical effects involve manipulation of soft tissues to affect movement and structural alignment, chemical effects may involve biochemical changes from deeper work, and thermal effects relate to changes in temperature. However, these are not the primary outcomes of superficial strokes, which is why the reflexive nature of such strokes best characterizes the intended effect.