Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 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
- Avoid massaging the affected limb entirely and refer the client to their physician (Correct answer)
- Perform deep tissue work proximal to the clot to help break it up
Correct answer: Avoid massaging the affected limb entirely and refer the client to their physician
DVT is an absolute contraindication for massage on the affected limb because manipulation could dislodge the clot and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: Which skin condition is considered a local contraindication requiring the therapist to avoid only the affected area during massage?
- Eczema in an active flare with open lesions (Correct answer)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Severe osteoporosis
Correct answer: Eczema in an active flare with open lesions
Active eczema with open lesions is a local contraindication where the therapist should avoid the affected area but may work on other body regions.
Question 3: A client with a recent diagnosis of kidney stones asks for an abdominal massage. What should the therapist do?
- Proceed with deep abdominal massage to help pass the stones
- Perform light effleurage over the abdomen only
- Avoid abdominal massage and consult with the client's healthcare provider before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Apply hot stones to the abdomen to relax the area
Correct answer: Avoid abdominal massage and consult with the client's healthcare provider before proceeding
Kidney stones are a local contraindication for abdominal massage, and the therapist should obtain medical clearance before working in that region.
Question 4: Which of the following conditions would require a massage therapist to obtain physician clearance before performing any massage?
- Mild tension headache
- Chronic stable asthma managed with an inhaler
- Recent myocardial infarction within the past six weeks (Correct answer)
- Delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise
Correct answer: Recent myocardial infarction within the past six weeks
A recent myocardial infarction is a serious cardiovascular event that requires physician clearance before any massage therapy can be safely performed.
Question 5: A client has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and reports increased pain sensitivity today. What is the most appropriate pressure modification?
- Use deep tissue techniques to release trigger points causing the pain
- Maintain the same pressure used in previous sessions for consistency
- Reduce pressure and use gentle techniques such as light Swedish massage (Correct answer)
- Cancel the session entirely since fibromyalgia is an absolute contraindication
Correct answer: Reduce pressure and use gentle techniques such as light Swedish massage
Fibromyalgia clients experiencing heightened pain sensitivity benefit from reduced pressure and gentle techniques to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
Question 6: What is the primary reason massage is contraindicated directly over a site of acute inflammation?
- Massage could spread infection to other parts of the body
- Massage may increase inflammation, pain, and tissue damage at the site (Correct answer)
- The client will not be able to tolerate any touch in that area
- Acute inflammation always indicates a fracture beneath the surface
Correct answer: Massage may increase inflammation, pain, and tissue damage at the site
Massage over an acutely inflamed area can increase blood flow and inflammatory mediators, worsening swelling, pain, and potential tissue damage.
Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2
A client presents with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left calf.
What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?