Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Client Assessment and Treatment 1

Question 1

During passive range of motion assessment of the shoulder, the therapist notes a firm, leathery resistance at end range of external rotation. This type of end-feel most likely suggests which condition?

Accepted Answer

Capsular fibrosis consistent with adhesive capsulitis

Answer

A firm, leathery end-feel during passive ROM is characteristic of capsular fibrosis. In adhesive capsulitis, the joint capsule thickens and contracts, producing this specific quality of resistance at end range rather than the soft or bony end-feels seen in other conditions.

Question 2

A massage therapist observes during postural assessment that a client has a pronounced anterior pelvic tilt. Which muscle pattern is most consistent with this postural deviation?

Accepted Answer

Shortened hip flexors and inhibited gluteal muscles

Answer

Anterior pelvic tilt results from a predictable imbalance: shortened hip flexors (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) pull the front of the pelvis down, while inhibited or weak gluteals fail to posteriorly rotate the pelvis, perpetuating the forward tilt.

Question 3

A client describes deep, diffuse, achy pain in the upper trapezius that is difficult to localize and sometimes radiates toward the temporal region. To confirm the presence of myofascial trigger points, which assessment technique is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Palpation of taut bands to elicit a local twitch response

Answer

Myofascial trigger points are identified by palpating a taut band within the muscle belly and applying compression to elicit a local twitch response and referred pain pattern. This hands-on palpation finding distinguishes active trigger points from other sources of pain.

Question 4

During a client intake, a therapist reviews the health history and notes the client is taking warfarin. Which assessment finding is most critical to evaluate before beginning treatment?

Accepted Answer

Presence of unexplained bruising or skin discoloration

Answer

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that significantly increases bleeding risk. Before treatment, the therapist must assess for unexplained bruising or discoloration, which can indicate fragile capillaries or an underlying bleed that would contraindicate deeper pressure techniques.

Question 5

A therapist performs a postural and gait assessment and observes the client's left foot externally rotates during the swing phase of walking. Which muscle should be prioritized in the palpatory assessment for hypertonicity?

Accepted Answer

Left piriformis and external hip rotators

Answer

Persistent external rotation of the foot during gait often indicates hypertonicity of the piriformis and the other deep external hip rotators, which excessively rotate the entire lower extremity outward throughout the gait cycle.

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Client Assessment and Treatment 1