LMT Pathology & Contraindications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of edema is a contraindication for massage therapy?
- Transient post-exercise swelling
- Pitting edema of unknown origin (Correct answer)
- Mild ankle edema from prolonged standing
- Minor edema surrounding a mild ankle sprain
Correct answer: Pitting edema of unknown origin
Pitting edema of unknown origin may indicate cardiac, renal, or hepatic dysfunction, making massage contraindicated until the underlying cause is diagnosed by a physician.
Question 2: A client sustained a fracture 10 days ago that remains in a cast. Regarding massage to the fractured region, the therapist should:
- Perform light pressure massage around the edges of the cast
- Avoid massage to the fracture site entirely until healing is confirmed (Correct answer)
- Apply vibration techniques on top of the cast only
- Perform massage to skin surface directly above the cast
Correct answer: Avoid massage to the fracture site entirely until healing is confirmed
Massage near a recent fracture site is contraindicated as the bone is in the early inflammatory and early repair stages, and massage could disrupt callus formation and proper healing.
Question 3: Fever is a systemic contraindication for massage primarily because:
- It makes the client uncomfortable during the treatment session
- It signals active infection; massage increases circulation that can spread pathogens and adds physiological stress to the body (Correct answer)
- It reduces the mechanical effectiveness of massage techniques
- It causes excessive perspiration that interferes with massage lubricant
Correct answer: It signals active infection; massage increases circulation that can spread pathogens and adds physiological stress to the body
Fever signals the immune system is actively fighting infection; massage increases circulatory flow, which can help spread pathogens and places additional metabolic stress on an already taxed body.
Question 4: Which of the following conditions most clearly requires physician clearance before massage therapy can be initiated?
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise
- Mild chronic tension headache
- Recent myocardial infarction (heart attack) (Correct answer)
- Mild seasonal allergic rhinitis
Correct answer: Recent myocardial infarction (heart attack)
A recent myocardial infarction requires medical clearance because the heart muscle is in a vulnerable healing phase and massage-induced cardiovascular changes could be dangerous.
Question 5: Varicose veins are classified as which type of contraindication for massage?
- Absolute systemic contraindication requiring full-body avoidance
- Local contraindication — avoid direct pressure on the distended veins (Correct answer)
- No contraindication — massage is safe and beneficial over varicosities
- Relative contraindication requiring complete avoidance of the entire affected limb
Correct answer: Local contraindication — avoid direct pressure on the distended veins
Varicose veins are a local contraindication; direct pressure over the distended, fragile veins is avoided, but gentle massage on surrounding unaffected tissue may be acceptable.
Question 6: Massage during the first trimester of pregnancy is typically classified as:
- Completely safe with no special modifications required
- An absolute contraindication under all professional standards
- A relative contraindication requiring special positioning, precautions, and often physician clearance (Correct answer)
- Recommended with full deep tissue techniques to relieve discomfort
Correct answer: A relative contraindication requiring special positioning, precautions, and often physician clearance
First-trimester massage is generally a relative contraindication; the elevated risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy leads most therapists to require physician clearance and apply extra precautions.
Question 7: Direct massage over a known malignant tumor site is:
- Acceptable when light effleurage techniques are used
- An absolute local contraindication (Correct answer)
- Acceptable when documented physician approval is obtained
- Recommended to stimulate blood flow and immune response to the area
Correct answer: An absolute local contraindication
Direct massage over a malignant tumor is absolutely contraindicated as increasing local circulation and lymphatic flow may theoretically stimulate metastasis of cancer cells.
LMT Pathology & Contraindications 2
Which type of edema is a contraindication for massage therapy?