Ace the NCBTMB Exam 2026 – Massage Your Way to Success!

When massaging over adhesions, the texture characteristic is best described as thick and bumpy. Adhesions are areas where tissues have formed abnormal connections, often as a result of injury, surgery, or inflammation. These areas can feel denser and more irregular compared to healthy tissues. As a massage therapist works on or around these adhesions, the thick and bumpy sensation reflects the underlying tissue changes that have occurred due to these unwanted fibrous formations.

Thick and bumpy textures indicate increased collagen deposition or fibrotic tissue, which are common traits in areas affected by adhesions. Recognizing these textures helps therapists adjust their techniques to appropriately address the restrictions and promote healing through improved tissue mobility, circulation, and decreased tension. Understanding these characteristics allows for more effective treatment planning and client communication regarding the expected sensations during a massage.