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Pathology & Contraindications Flashcards

7 cards from real LMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pathology & Contraindications flashcards as text

  1. Which of the following is considered an absolute systemic contraindication for massage therapy?

    Answer: Acute fever above 101°F (38.3°C)

    Acute fever indicates the body is actively fighting infection or illness, and massage can worsen the condition by increasing circulation and metabolic demand on an already stressed immune system.

  2. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an absolute contraindication for massage primarily because:

    Answer: Massage may dislodge the clot and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism

    Massage over a DVT site can dislodge the thrombus, causing it to travel through the venous system to the lungs, which is a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

  3. A local contraindication for massage therapy means the therapist should:

    Answer: Avoid massage only in the affected area while treating other areas normally

    A local contraindication restricts massage to the specific affected area only; massage can still be safely performed on all other unaffected areas of the body.

  4. Massage is generally contraindicated directly over areas of:

    Answer: Acute inflammation

    Massage over acutely inflamed tissue can increase local inflammation, heat, and pain, worsening the inflammatory response rather than providing therapeutic benefit.

  5. Which of the following skin conditions represents a local contraindication for massage?

    Answer: Open wound or skin abrasion

    Open wounds or abrasions are local contraindications because massage could introduce infection, delay healing, and cause further tissue damage.

  6. A client arrives with uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension). What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?

    Answer: Refer the client to their physician and defer massage until medically cleared

    Uncontrolled hypertension is a contraindication requiring medical clearance, as massage-induced cardiovascular changes can pose serious risk in an already compromised cardiovascular system.

  7. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during an acute disease flare is best classified as:

    Answer: An absolute contraindication for massage

    During an active SLE flare, massage is absolutely contraindicated as it can significantly exacerbate systemic inflammation and cause serious harm.