OMT Contraindications & Special Populations Flashcards

When treating elderly clients, which physiological change requires adjusting massage pressure and technique?

Answer: Reduced skin integrity and more fragile capillaries

Aging causes decreased collagen, thinner skin, and more fragile capillaries, making elderly clients prone to bruising and skin tears with heavy pressure.

A client presents with fever of 102°F (39°C). What is the appropriate course of action?

Answer: Postpone treatment until fever resolves

Fever is a systemic contraindication to massage because it indicates an active inflammatory or infectious process that could be worsened or spread by circulatory stimulation.

For clients undergoing chemotherapy, massage is best performed when?

Answer: During periods of stable blood counts and with oncologist clearance

Massage for oncology clients should occur during periods of stable blood counts with medical clearance to reduce risks of bleeding, infection, and treatment disruption.

Which condition requires the therapist to obtain physician clearance before performing orthopedic massage?

Answer: Acute fracture in the healing phase

An acute fracture in the healing phase requires physician clearance to ensure massage does not disrupt bone healing, hardware, or cause displacement.

When treating a client with hypertension who is on blood thinners (anticoagulants), which technique modification is most appropriate?

Answer: Use lighter pressure to reduce bruising risk

Anticoagulant medications impair normal clotting, making clients prone to bruising and hematoma formation; lighter pressure reduces this risk.

A local contraindication means the therapist should:

Answer: Avoid massage only to the affected area while treating other areas normally

A local contraindication means that only the affected area must be avoided while the rest of the body can be treated safely and appropriately.