LMT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield LMT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A chiropractor offers to pay a therapist $20 for every client referred. The ethical concern is that this: → May put financial gain ahead of client welfare and must be disclosed or avoided
2. Which plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions? → Transverse plane
3. How should patient consent be obtained for quality improvement procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
4. In a normal walking gait cycle, the stance phase takes up about what percentage of the cycle? → 60%
5. Midway through a session, a client asks the therapist to stop working on their abdomen. The therapist should: → Stop immediately and respect the withdrawal of consent
6. What does the endocrine system regulate? → Hormonal balance and bodily functions
7. Which advertising statement would be considered unethical? → "Our massage cures fibromyalgia"
8. Which area of the hands is most commonly missed during handwashing? → Thumbs and fingertips
9. When should a session note ideally be completed? → As soon as possible after the session
10. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during an acute disease flare is best classified as: → An absolute contraindication for massage
11. Which muscle laterally rotates the hip and can compress the sciatic nerve when hypertonic? → Piriformis
12. Which division of the nervous system promotes 'rest and digest' responses often encouraged by relaxation massage? → Parasympathetic
13. Which is an example of a breach of client confidentiality? → Posting a client's photo and treatment story on social media without consent
14. Which anatomical plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions? → Frontal
15. What is the primary purpose of a therapist maintaining a neutral spine and using a wide stance with knees slightly bent at the table? → To use body weight and leg power while reducing back strain
16. Which blood vessels contain valves to prevent the backflow of blood? → Veins
17. Which breathing technique is commonly taught to clients to activate relaxation? → Slow diaphragmatic (belly) breathing
18. What is the correct order for removing gloves and performing hand hygiene? → Remove gloves, then perform hand hygiene immediately
19. What is the role of tendon in the musculoskeletal system? → They connect muscles to bones
20. A client asks whether they should stop taking a prescribed blood pressure medication because massage relaxes them. The therapist should: → Refer the client to their prescribing physician
21. A muscle contraction in which the muscle lengthens while producing tension is called: → Eccentric
22. How should patient consent be obtained for documentation standards procedures? → Informed consent including risks, benefits, alternatives, and right to refuse
23. A client offers the therapist expensive concert tickets as a thank-you. What is the best action? → Politely decline and follow the practice's gift policy
24. What interdisciplinary collaboration principle applies to patient assessment? → Coordinated team-based care improves outcomes and reduces errors
25. An LMT receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a client's physician requesting records. What should the LMT do first? → Verify identity and confirm a valid client authorization is on file
26. After washing hands at a sink, what is the best way to turn off a hand-operated faucet? → Use a clean paper towel
27. Which nervous system state does relaxation massage primarily promote? → Parasympathetic 'rest and digest' activity
28. What is a benchmark in quality improvement? → A standard or reference point used to compare performance
29. Which muscle inverts and plantar flexes the foot and supports the medial longitudinal arch? → Tibialis posterior
30. How should a massage therapist respond to a client request for treatment outside their scope of practice? → Refer the client to an appropriate professional