OSCE Station 3: Assessment 1

Massage Therapy Board Exam Review

Based on the examination handbook, in station 3, the candidate is expected to demonstrate their ability to perform specific assessment techniques (e.g. palpation, range of motion, neurological, orthopaedic testing, etc).

1. Orthopaedic Tests ( Special Tests)

To study how to perform specific orthopaedic testing ( 70+ special tests).Visit: https://www.massagetherapyreference.com/special-tests/

2. Range of Motion Testing – see Range of Motion Testing page

3. Neurological Tests:

To test for nerve root damage, the corresponding dermatomes supplied by that nerve root may be tested for abnormal sensation and the myotomes may be tested for weakness. To test for sensitivity of a dermatome, a pinwheel, cotton ball, paper clip, the pads of the fingers or fingernails may be used. Ask the client for feedback.

Abnormal Sensations:

Hypoesthesia (decreased sensation), Hyperesthesia (excessive sensation), Anesthesia (loss of sensation), Paresthesia (numbness, tingling, burning sensation).

A. To study the cervical myotomes ( Neurological Test )

Cervical Myotomes

B. To study for the myotomes of the rest of the body :

( note: the person doesn’t start showing the myotomes until 1:44. forward to 1:40 if you don’t want to see the very long silly introduction.)

T1 Myotomes: Finger abduction
T2 – L1 Myotomes: Chest wall and abdominal muscles

L2, L3 Myotomes: Hip flexion
L3, L4 Myotomes: Knee extension
L4 Myotomes: Ankle dorsiflexion
L5 Myotomes: Big toe extension
L5, S1 Myotomes: Knee flexion
S1 Myotomes: Ankle plantarflexion
S2 Myotomes: Knee flexion

C. To study the dermatomes ( Neurological Test )

Full Body Dermatomes

3. Gross Anatomy , Landmarking, Palpation

It is important for a Massage Therapist to know Gross Anatomy, Bone Landmarks, the origins and insertions of all muscles especially the major muscles and the actions of those muscles. To study for these, watch the following videos:

Shoulder and Trapezius