Massage Therapist FREE Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with a deep vein thrombosis in the left calf. What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?
- Massage the affected leg gently to improve circulation
- Apply cold compresses to the area and proceed with massage
- Refer the client to their physician and avoid massaging the affected limb (Correct answer)
- Elevate the leg and perform light effleurage distally
Correct answer: Refer the client to their physician and avoid massaging the affected limb
Deep vein thrombosis is an absolute contraindication for local massage because manipulation could dislodge the clot and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: Which skin condition would require a massage therapist to use local contraindication precautions rather than refusing treatment entirely?
- A small patch of eczema on the forearm (Correct answer)
- Active impetigo lesions across the back
- An undiagnosed open and weeping wound
- Herpes zoster in the acute blistering phase
Correct answer: A small patch of eczema on the forearm
A small, localized patch of eczema is a local contraindication where the therapist can avoid the area and still provide massage to the rest of the body.
Question 3: A client with controlled Type 2 diabetes requests a full-body massage. What is the primary concern the therapist should monitor during the session?
- Risk of joint hypermobility
- Signs of hypoglycemia such as dizziness or sweating (Correct answer)
- Increased risk of muscle cramping from insulin
- Likelihood of developing skin rashes from massage oil
Correct answer: Signs of hypoglycemia such as dizziness or sweating
Clients with diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia during massage because bodywork can lower blood glucose levels.
Question 4: Which of the following conditions is considered a systemic contraindication that requires physician clearance before massage?
- Mild tension headache
- Chronic plantar fasciitis
- Uncontrolled hypertension (Correct answer)
- Lateral epicondylitis
Correct answer: Uncontrolled hypertension
Uncontrolled hypertension is a systemic contraindication because massage affects cardiovascular function and could pose risks without medical clearance.
Question 5: A client has been diagnosed with osteoporosis. How should the massage therapist modify treatment?
- Use deep tissue techniques to stimulate bone density
- Apply vigorous tapotement to increase circulation to bones
- Use lighter pressure and avoid forceful joint mobilizations (Correct answer)
- Decline to treat the client entirely until the condition resolves
Correct answer: Use lighter pressure and avoid forceful joint mobilizations
Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases fracture risk, so lighter pressure and gentle techniques are essential modifications.
Question 6: A client arrives for a massage appointment and reports a fever of 101.4 degrees F that started this morning. What should the therapist do?
- Proceed with the session using only light Swedish techniques
- Apply aromatherapy to help reduce the fever during the massage
- Reschedule the appointment until the client is no longer febrile (Correct answer)
- Perform lymphatic drainage to help the client fight the infection
Correct answer: Reschedule the appointment until the client is no longer febrile
Fever is an absolute contraindication for massage because it indicates active infection and massage can spread pathogens through increased circulation.
Massage Therapist FREE Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2
A client presents with a deep vein thrombosis in the left calf.
What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?