OMT OMT Contraindications & Special Populations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which condition is considered an absolute contraindication to massage therapy?
- Mild muscle soreness
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
- Healed surgical scar
- Chronic low back pain
Correct answer: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is an absolute contraindication to massage because manual manipulation could dislodge a clot, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: When working with a pregnant client in the second or third trimester, which position is generally recommended to avoid?
- Side-lying (lateral recumbent)
- Semi-reclined at 45 degrees
- Supine (lying flat on back) (Correct answer)
- Seated upright
Correct answer: Supine (lying flat on back)
Supine positioning in later pregnancy can cause supine hypotensive syndrome as the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return to the heart.
Question 3: Which skin condition requires the OMT therapist to avoid direct massage over the affected area?
- Well-healed burn scar tissue
- Active psoriasis plaques
- Melanoma or undiagnosed skin lesion (Correct answer)
- Dry skin with intact barrier
Correct answer: Melanoma or undiagnosed skin lesion
Undiagnosed skin lesions or suspected malignancies such as melanoma are local contraindications because massage could potentially spread cancer cells or alter lesion characteristics.
Question 4: For clients with osteoporosis, which massage technique should be avoided over the vertebrae and long bones?
- Light effleurage
- Swedish petrissage on soft tissue
- Deep compression and percussive techniques (Correct answer)
- Gentle passive range of motion
Correct answer: Deep compression and percussive techniques
Deep compression and percussive techniques over osteoporotic bones risk fracture and should be avoided; only light to moderate pressure on soft tissues is appropriate.
Question 5: When treating a client with diabetes, which special consideration is most important regarding massage?
- Avoid all massage below the knee
- Monitor for hypoglycemia and inspect extremities for poor healing (Correct answer)
- Use only heat modalities
- Limit sessions to 15 minutes maximum
Correct answer: Monitor for hypoglycemia and inspect extremities for poor healing
Diabetic clients risk hypoglycemia (especially after exercise-like stimulation from massage) and have impaired peripheral sensation and healing, requiring careful monitoring and skin inspection.
Question 6: Which client presentation requires immediate referral and cessation of massage treatment?
- Post-exercise muscle soreness
- Sudden onset of chest pain during a session (Correct answer)
- Mild anxiety about treatment
- First-time client nervousness
Correct answer: Sudden onset of chest pain during a session
Sudden chest pain during a session is a medical emergency that requires immediate cessation of treatment and activation of emergency medical services.
OMT OMT Contraindications & Special Populations 1
Which condition is considered an absolute contraindication to massage therapy?