LMT Pathology & Contraindications

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Acute fever above 101°F (38.3°C)

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

A local contraindication for massage therapy means the therapist should:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 4

Massage is generally contraindicated directly over areas of:

Accepted Answer

Acute inflammation

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Open wound or skin abrasion

Answer

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

LMT - Licensed Massage Therapists Practice Test

LMT - Licensed Massage Therapists Practice Test

LMT Pathology & Contraindications