Client Assessment and Treatment Flashcards

During a postural assessment, a client displays elevated right shoulder and a lowered left hip. This pattern most likely indicates:

Answer: Scoliosis

Scoliosis involves lateral curvature of the spine, which can present as uneven shoulder and hip heights.

A client reports pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. This pain pattern is most characteristic of:

Answer: Mechanical pain

Mechanical pain is typically aggravated by movement and physical activity and relieved by rest.

Which assessment technique involves the therapist passively moving the client's joint to evaluate end-feel and range of motion?

Answer: Passive range of motion

Passive range of motion is performed entirely by the therapist with no client muscle activation, allowing evaluation of joint end-feel.

A client discloses they are taking anticoagulant medication. Which massage technique should be avoided or used with extreme caution?

Answer: Deep friction massage

Deep friction massage can cause bruising and internal bleeding in clients on anticoagulants due to impaired clotting.

What does the acronym SOAP stand for in clinical massage documentation?

Answer: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan

SOAP notes consist of Subjective (client-reported), Objective (therapist-observed), Assessment (findings), and Plan (treatment goals).

A client presents with edema in the lower extremities following a long flight. Before proceeding, the therapist should most importantly:

Answer: Ask if the client has a history of deep vein thrombosis

DVT is a serious contraindication because massage could dislodge a clot and cause pulmonary embolism.

Which of the following is an example of a local contraindication for massage?

Answer: Active herpes outbreak on the lower back

An active herpes outbreak is a local contraindication, meaning massage should be avoided in that specific area but can continue elsewhere.