National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

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What does an abnormal empty end feel indicate?

  1. Client's range of motion is fully reached

  2. Client experiences pain preventing end feel

  3. Healthy joint mobility

  4. Minimal resistance at end range

The correct answer is: Client experiences pain preventing end feel

An abnormal empty end feel indicates that the client is experiencing pain that prevents them from reaching the end of their available range of motion. This sensation occurs when the joint does not demonstrate a typical resistance or stopping point, which is generally expected in healthy joint mobility. Instead, the practitioner perceives that the client is unwilling or unable to move further due to discomfort or pain, signaling that there may be an underlying issue such as injury, inflammation, or structural restrictions within the joint or surrounding tissues. In contrast, a normal end feel typically results in a clear and defined point of resistance, while an empty end feel suggests that an important aspect of the client’s health—pain management and joint integrity—needs to be addressed.