Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Client Assessment and Treatment 1

Question 1

During palpation of the upper trapezius, a therapist identifies a taut band with a hypersensitive nodule that reproduces the client's familiar headache pain when compressed. This finding is most consistent with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A myofascial trigger point

Answer

A taut band with a hypersensitive nodule that refers pain in a recognizable pattern is the hallmark of a myofascial trigger point. DOMS presents diffusely after exercise, ligamentous laxity involves joint stability, and acute strain lacks the referral pattern.

Question 2

A client experiences pain during active knee flexion but reports no pain when the therapist passively moves the knee through the same range of motion. This difference most likely implicates which type of tissue?

Accepted Answer

Contractile (muscle-tendon) tissue

Answer

Pain that occurs during active but not passive motion indicates that the contractile elements (muscles and tendons) are involved, since passive movement does not require muscular contraction. Cartilage, capsule, and ligament issues typically produce pain during both active and passive movement.

Question 3

During a health intake, a client discloses a recent diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left calf. What is the most appropriate action for the massage therapist?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client back to their physician before beginning any treatment

Answer

DVT is a systemic contraindication because massage could dislodge the clot, creating a life-threatening embolism. The therapist must obtain physician clearance before any massage is performed, even to unaffected areas.

Question 4

While observing a client's gait and static posture, a therapist notices pronounced anterior pelvic tilt and excessive lumbar lordosis. Which muscle groups should be prioritized in the assessment and treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Hip flexors and lumbar erector spinae

Answer

Anterior pelvic tilt with increased lordosis is typically driven by shortened/overactive hip flexors (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) and lumbar erectors pulling the pelvis into anterior rotation. Addressing these facilitates correction of the postural deviation.

Question 5

When passively moving a client's shoulder into full external rotation, the therapist perceives a firm, leathery resistance before the anatomical end range is reached. Which term best describes this finding?

Accepted Answer

Capsular end-feel

Answer

A firm, leathery quality that stops motion before the true end range is characteristic of a capsular end-feel, indicating tightness or fibrosis of the joint capsule — commonly seen in conditions such as adhesive capsulitis.

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Client Assessment and Treatment 1