FREE Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client presents with a localized, warm, swollen, and painful area on their calf.
They mention they recently returned from a long-haul flight.
Which of the following conditions is a potential risk, making massage an absolute contraindication for the affected limb?

Accepted Answer

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Cellulitis

Answer

Varicose Veins

Answer

Muscle Strain

Question 2

A new client's health history form indicates they are undergoing active chemotherapy for cancer. What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?

Accepted Answer

Perform a gentle, light-pressure massage, avoiding any ports or tumor sites, and after consulting with the client's oncologist if possible.

Answer

Refuse treatment as massage is always contraindicated for cancer.

Answer

Proceed with a standard deep tissue massage to alleviate pain.

Answer

Apply vigorous tapotement to stimulate circulation, which is compromised by chemotherapy.

Question 3

Which of the following is an absolute, systemic contraindication for massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Fever

Answer

Psoriasis

Answer

Tension Headache

Answer

Chronic Low Back Pain

Question 4

A client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comes for a massage during an acute flare-up, presenting with red, swollen, and painful joints. What is the correct treatment modification?

Accepted Answer

Avoid massage directly on the acutely inflamed joints and use gentle techniques on other areas of the body for relaxation.

Answer

Perform deep friction massage directly on the inflamed joints to reduce swelling.

Answer

Proceed with a full-body massage as requested, using moderate to deep pressure.

Answer

Use aggressive stretching techniques on the affected joints to improve range of motion.

Question 5

A client has a skin condition characterized by highly contagious, honey-colored crusted sores, primarily around the nose and mouth. This condition is known as:

Accepted Answer

Impetigo

Answer

Eczema

Answer

Psoriasis

Answer

Rosacea

Question 6

While assessing a client's lower leg, you press your thumb into the tissue for several seconds, and upon release, an indentation remains. This phenomenon is a sign of what condition, which requires medical clearance before proceeding with massage?

Accepted Answer

Pitting Edema

Answer

Hematoma

Answer

Cellulitis

Answer

Lipoma