AMTA Contraindications and Special Populations 3

Question 1

Massage is contraindicated in the acute phase of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Acute muscle strain within the first 48–72 hours

Answer

Chronic low back pain

Answer

Completed stroke (CVA) with stable neurological deficits

Answer

Healed whiplash injury

Question 2

A client with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presents with warm, swollen, and painful joints. The appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid the inflamed joints and work on non-affected areas

Answer

Apply deep friction to break up adhesions

Answer

Perform range-of-motion stretching on the affected joints

Answer

Apply heat packs to the swollen joints before massage

Question 3

Which cardiovascular condition requires physician clearance and modified massage with no stimulating techniques?

Accepted Answer

Recent myocardial infarction (within 4 weeks)

Answer

Well-controlled hypertension

Answer

Mild orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Resolved thrombophlebitis from 2 years ago

Question 4

When working with a client who has fibromyalgia, the most appropriate adjustment is:

Accepted Answer

Use very light pressure and shorter sessions, monitoring client feedback carefully

Answer

Apply deep tissue work to release trigger points aggressively

Answer

Avoid massage entirely as it worsens symptoms

Answer

Focus only on the areas of greatest pain with sustained pressure

Question 5

Which of the following skin conditions is NOT a contraindication for massage?

Accepted Answer

Well-managed, non-inflamed psoriasis

Answer

Active impetigo (bacterial infection)

Answer

Cellulitis with redness and warmth

Answer

Ringworm (tinea corporis)

Question 6

A client undergoing active radiation therapy for cancer mentions their skin is red and tender in the treated area. What should the therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Avoid the radiation field entirely and work around it

Answer

Massage the area with light effleurage to soothe it

Answer

Apply oil liberally to hydrate the damaged skin during massage

Answer

Proceed normally as radiation skin changes are cosmetic only

Question 7

When a client has uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), which massage approach is most appropriate pending physician clearance?

Accepted Answer

Gentle, relaxation-focused massage avoiding stimulating techniques

Answer

Vigorous percussion (tapotement) to stimulate circulation

Answer

Avoid all massage until blood pressure is controlled

Answer

Deep tissue work to release vascular tension