OMT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the term for the inflammation of a bursa? → Bursitis
2. According to the CDC, how long should a therapist scrub hands with soap and water during handwashing? → At least 20 seconds
3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is in an active flare with hot, swollen wrists. Which approach best supports interdisciplinary care? → Avoid direct work on inflamed joints and coordinate with the rheumatologist
4. Holding the wrists in full flexion for 60 seconds brings on tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Which condition does this suggest? → Carpal tunnel syndrome
5. A client is 48 hours past an acute ankle sprain with heat, swelling, and redness. What is the most appropriate treatment plan approach? → Avoid direct deep work at the injury and focus on proximal lymphatic drainage
6. Extending, side-bending, and gently compressing the head reproduces arm pain on the same side. What does this suggest? → Cervical nerve root compression at the foramen
7. Why is it important to understand the client’s medical history? → To inform safe and effective planning
8. A client has an active cold sore (herpes simplex) on the lip. How should the therapist proceed? → Avoid the face and lesion area and use strict hygiene
9. A client presents with fever of 102°F (39°C). What is the appropriate course of action? → Postpone treatment until fever resolves
10. A client gives verbal consent for treatment but later refuses work on the neck mid-session. What should the therapist document? → The withdrawal of consent for the neck area and the change to the treatment
11. Active and passive movement both hurt in the same direction, and resisted testing is pain-free. Which tissue type is most likely involved? → Inert tissue such as a ligament or capsule
12. What is the standard of care for patient assessment in clinical practice? → Evidence-based practice aligned with current clinical guidelines
13. What is the purpose of a postural assessment? → To identify postural deviations
14. Which skin condition requires the OMT therapist to avoid direct massage over the affected area? → Melanoma or undiagnosed skin lesion
15. Ischemic compression applied to a myofascial trigger point is generally held until: → The tenderness or tension noticeably decreases, often 30-90 seconds
16. What is the standard of care for treatment protocols in clinical practice? → Evidence-based practice aligned with current clinical guidelines
17. Which special orthopedic test is used to assess for sacroiliac joint dysfunction? → FABER test
18. A client has a positive Phalen's test with tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Which structure is most likely involved? → Median nerve at the carpal tunnel
19. When taking off PPE, which item does the CDC recommend removing first? → Gloves
20. What interdisciplinary collaboration principle applies to infection prevention? → Coordinated team-based care improves outcomes and reduces errors
21. When a force is applied perpendicular to a bone segment at its midpoint, the resulting bending stress is greatest at which location? → At the site of force application
22. When treating a tendon with deep transverse friction, the tendon is usually placed in what position? → Moderately stretched (taut) so fibers stay under the fingers
23. What is contraindication in massage therapy? → A condition that requires caution or avoidance
24. What is the normal end feel for elbow extension? → Bone-to-bone (hard)
25. What is the primary purpose of peer review among orthopedic massage therapists? → To evaluate and improve clinical practice against standards
26. What privacy protection applies to quality improvement records? → HIPAA and applicable state laws protect all patient health information
27. Holding both wrists in full flexion for 60 seconds reproduces tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Which condition is most likely? → Carpal tunnel syndrome
28. What is the primary purpose of using cross-fiber friction in orthopedic massage? → Break down adhesions and scar tissue
29. Which tool helps document client progress? → SOAP notes
30. Which is the best example of a SMART goal in an interdisciplinary treatment plan? → The client will increase active shoulder flexion from 120 to 150 degrees within 6 weeks