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

The area between the shoulder blade and the spine is generally not categorized as an endangerment site in massage therapy. Endangerment sites are regions of the body where caution should be exercised due to the proximity of major nerves, blood vessels, or organs, which could be vulnerable to injury or over-compression during massage.

The groin area is considered an endangerment site due to the presence of important vascular and neural structures, including the femoral artery and nerve. Similarly, the back of the knee is recognized as an endangerment site because of the popliteal artery and nerve running through that area, making it sensitive to pressure. The neck region also falls into this category, as it contains the carotid artery and the jugular vein, as well as crucial nervous tissue, requiring careful handling.

In contrast, while the area between the shoulder blade and the spine does have some important structures nearby, it does not have the same immediate risk factors associated with more critical areas deemed as endangerment sites. Therefore, this area is generally considered safe for massage techniques when performed correctly, which is why it is the answer to the question.