Massage Therapy Pathology & Contraindications 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Deep tissue massage is absolutely contraindicated over an area with:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Chronic tension headaches
- Mild scar tissue
Correct answer: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is an absolute contraindication because massage could dislodge the clot, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: A client presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in a joint. These cardinal signs indicate:
- Acute inflammation (Correct answer)
- Chronic fibrosis
- Muscle atrophy
- Bone spur formation
Correct answer: Acute inflammation
The four cardinal signs—redness (rubor), warmth (calor), swelling (tumor), and pain (dolor)—indicate acute inflammation, a local contraindication.
Question 3: Which skin condition is a local contraindication for massage?
- Herpes zoster (shingles) outbreak (Correct answer)
- Well-healed surgical scar (more than 6 months old)
- Chronic eczema in remission
- Freckles
Correct answer: Herpes zoster (shingles) outbreak
An active herpes zoster outbreak is a local contraindication because direct contact can spread the virus and cause extreme pain.
Question 4: Massage is generally contraindicated for clients in which trimester of pregnancy without special positioning?
- First trimester (weeks 1–13) (Correct answer)
- Second trimester (weeks 14–27)
- Third trimester (weeks 28–40)
- Massage is never contraindicated in pregnancy
Correct answer: First trimester (weeks 1–13)
Many therapists avoid massage in the first trimester due to elevated miscarriage risk, though evidence is limited; referral to a prenatal specialist is common.
Question 5: Fever is considered a systemic contraindication because massage may:
- Increase metabolic rate and worsen the fever (Correct answer)
- Reduce white blood cell production
- Cause hypothermia
- Permanently damage skin
Correct answer: Increase metabolic rate and worsen the fever
Massage increases metabolic activity and circulation, which can raise body temperature and intensify a fever.
Question 6: Which condition requires a physician's clearance before massage but is not an absolute contraindication?
- Controlled hypertension (Correct answer)
- Active cancer with metastasis to bone
- Contagious skin infection
- Acute appendicitis
Correct answer: Controlled hypertension
Controlled hypertension is a relative contraindication; massage is often beneficial, but physician clearance ensures no undue cardiovascular risk.
Massage Therapy Pathology & Contraindications 1
Deep tissue massage is absolutely contraindicated over an area with: