Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Pathology and Contraindications Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A client presents with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left calf. What is the most appropriate course of action for the massage therapist?

Accepted Answer

Avoid massaging the affected limb entirely and refer the client to their physician

Answer

Massage the affected leg gently to improve circulation

Answer

Apply cold compresses to the area and proceed with massage

Answer

Perform deep tissue work proximal to the clot to help break it up

Question 2

Which skin condition is considered a local contraindication requiring the therapist to avoid only the affected area during massage?

Accepted Answer

Eczema in an active flare with open lesions

Answer

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Answer

Uncontrolled hypertension

Answer

Severe osteoporosis

Question 3

A client with a recent diagnosis of kidney stones asks for an abdominal massage. What should the therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Avoid abdominal massage and consult with the client's healthcare provider before proceeding

Answer

Proceed with deep abdominal massage to help pass the stones

Answer

Perform light effleurage over the abdomen only

Answer

Apply hot stones to the abdomen to relax the area

Question 4

Which of the following conditions would require a massage therapist to obtain physician clearance before performing any massage?

Accepted Answer

Recent myocardial infarction within the past six weeks

Answer

Mild tension headache

Answer

Chronic stable asthma managed with an inhaler

Answer

Delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise

Question 5

A client has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and reports increased pain sensitivity today. What is the most appropriate pressure modification?

Accepted Answer

Reduce pressure and use gentle techniques such as light Swedish massage

Answer

Use deep tissue techniques to release trigger points causing the pain

Answer

Maintain the same pressure used in previous sessions for consistency

Answer

Cancel the session entirely since fibromyalgia is an absolute contraindication

Question 6

What is the primary reason massage is contraindicated directly over a site of acute inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Massage may increase inflammation, pain, and tissue damage at the site

Answer

Massage could spread infection to other parts of the body

Answer

The client will not be able to tolerate any touch in that area

Answer

Acute inflammation always indicates a fracture beneath the surface