Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

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Prepare for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) with our engaging quiz. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations, to boost your confidence and ace the exam!

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What type of therapy focuses on the manipulation of soft tissues?

  1. Reflexology

  2. Chiropractic

  3. Massage therapy

  4. Acupuncture

The correct answer is: Massage therapy

Massage therapy specifically emphasizes the manipulation of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. This hands-on approach aims to promote relaxation, improve circulation, enhance flexibility, and alleviate pain. By varying techniques such as kneading, stroking, rubbing, and applying pressure, massage therapists work to release tension and improve the overall functioning of the body. Reflexology, while also a form of bodywork, focuses primarily on applying pressure to specific points, usually on the feet or hands, which are thought to correspond to different body parts and functions. Chiropractic care emphasizes the alignment of the spine and nervous system through spinal adjustments rather than direct manipulation of soft tissues. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to promote energy flow and does not involve the manipulation of soft tissues in the same manner as massage therapy. Therefore, massage therapy is the most accurate choice when it comes to the direct manipulation of soft tissues.