Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real Massage Therapist practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A client taking blood-thinning medication such as warfarin requests a deep tissue massage. What is the therapist's primary concern?
Answer: Deep pressure may cause excessive bruising or internal bleeding
Blood-thinning medications increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, so deep pressure techniques should be avoided or significantly modified.
Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for massage therapy?
Answer: A fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit
A high fever indicates the body is actively fighting an infection, and massage could worsen the condition by increasing circulation and metabolic demands.
A client has a diagnosed herniated disc at L4-L5 with radiating pain down the leg. What is the most appropriate approach?
Answer: Avoid the lumbar region entirely and work only on unaffected areas with physician approval
A herniated disc with radiculopathy requires avoiding direct work on the affected spinal segment, and physician clearance should be obtained before treatment.
A pregnant client in her first trimester requests a massage. Which of the following is the most important consideration?
Answer: Obtain clearance from the client's obstetrician, especially if there is a history of high-risk pregnancy
First trimester massage requires caution and physician clearance, particularly for clients with high-risk pregnancy factors such as history of miscarriage.
A client with varicose veins on the posterior legs wants a full-body massage. How should the therapist proceed?
Answer: Avoid direct pressure over the varicose veins but massage surrounding areas with light to moderate pressure
Varicose veins are a local contraindication where direct pressure should be avoided, but the therapist can safely work on surrounding unaffected tissue.
What pathological condition would cause a massage therapist to suspect a client needs immediate medical referral rather than massage treatment?
Answer: Sudden severe headache described as the worst headache of their life
A sudden, severe headache described as the worst ever could indicate a cerebrovascular emergency such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage requiring immediate medical attention.