AMTA Contraindications and Special Populations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is considered an absolute contraindication for massage therapy?
- Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
- Mild muscle tension
- Delayed onset muscle soreness
- Healed surgical scar
Correct answer: Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Active DVT is an absolute contraindication because massage can dislodge the clot and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: A client arrives with a fever of 102°F. What is the appropriate action for the massage therapist?
- Proceed with a lighter-pressure session
- Reschedule the appointment until the fever resolves (Correct answer)
- Perform only lymphatic drainage
- Apply cold compresses and continue
Correct answer: Reschedule the appointment until the fever resolves
Fever indicates systemic infection, and massage can spread pathogens and further stress an already-taxed immune and cardiovascular system.
Question 3: What is a LOCAL contraindication for massage therapy?
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Open wound on the forearm (Correct answer)
- Recent chemotherapy treatment
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
Correct answer: Open wound on the forearm
An open wound is a local contraindication, meaning massage must avoid that specific area but can be performed on the rest of the body.
Question 4: Massage over varicose veins is considered:
- Beneficial due to improved circulation
- A local contraindication requiring avoidance of the area (Correct answer)
- Safe with light effleurage strokes only
- Required to prevent further pooling of blood
Correct answer: A local contraindication requiring avoidance of the area
Varicose veins are fragile and prone to damage; direct pressure can cause injury, pain, or bruising, making the area a local contraindication.
Question 5: Which skin condition requires the massage therapist to use universal precautions and potentially avoid contact?
- Psoriasis
- Dry skin
- Milia
- Herpes zoster (active shingles) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Herpes zoster (active shingles)
Active shingles involves contagious viral lesions; direct contact can spread the virus to the therapist or other body areas of the client.
Question 6: A client discloses they are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Which massage modification is most appropriate?
- Avoid massage entirely
- Use only deep tissue techniques
- Use lighter pressure to reduce bruising risk (Correct answer)
- Focus exclusively on reflexology
Correct answer: Use lighter pressure to reduce bruising risk
Anticoagulants impair clotting, making clients prone to bruising and hematoma formation; lighter pressure reduces this risk while still providing therapeutic benefit.
Question 7: Which of the following is a systemic contraindication for massage therapy?
- Acne vulgaris on the upper back
- Uncontrolled congestive heart failure (Correct answer)
- Mild edema in one ankle
- Plantar fasciitis
Correct answer: Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
Uncontrolled congestive heart failure is a systemic contraindication because increasing circulation can overload a failing heart.
AMTA Contraindications and Special Populations 1
Which of the following is considered an absolute contraindication for massage therapy?