Contraindications - Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Mblex

1. What is the contraindication rule for massage over a suspected malignant tumor?

   Avoid direct work over the site; require medical guidance/clearance. Suspected malignancy risks metastasis or complications from direct manipulation without oncological oversight.

2. Which condition most strongly contraindicates deep pressure on the calf: DVT or delayed-onset soreness?

   Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT poses a risk of dislodging blood clots with deep pressure, potentially causing embolism, unlike benign soreness.

3. What is the contraindication rule for massage when a client is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs?

   Do not provide massage; reschedule when the client is sober. Intoxication impairs consent, judgment, and physiological responses, making massage unsafe and unethical.

4. What is the contraindication rule for massage over a recent fracture site?

   Avoid the area until medically cleared and adequately healed. Recent fractures need time for bone healing and stability before any manipulation to prevent re-injury.

5. Which client presentation requires postponing massage: uncontrolled vomiting or mild nausea?

   Uncontrolled vomiting. Uncontrolled vomiting suggests acute illness or instability that could be aggravated by massage, unlike mild symptoms.

6. Which condition is a contraindication to vigorous full-body massage: unstable angina or stable osteoarthritis?

   Unstable angina. Unstable angina involves cardiac instability that vigorous massage could precipitate into a crisis, unlike managed osteoarthritis.

7. What is the contraindication rule for massage over an area with decreased sensation (neuropathy)?

   Use caution and lighter pressure; avoid extremes due to injury risk. Neuropathy reduces feedback on pressure intensity, increasing unintended tissue damage risk.

8. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to massage: fever or mild headache?

   Fever. Fever indicates a systemic infection that massage could worsen by increasing circulation and immune system burden.

9. What is the massage contraindication for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

   Do not massage; refer for immediate medical evaluation. Suspected DVT requires avoidance to prevent clot dislodgement and urgent medical assessment for safety.

10. What is the contraindication rule for massage over a sprain or strain in the acute stage?

    Avoid deep work; use gentle techniques only if not increasing pain. Acute sprains or strains involve tissue damage and inflammation that deep work could worsen.

11. Which condition contraindicates heat and vigorous massage locally: acute inflammation or chronic tightness?

    Acute inflammation. Acute inflammation worsens with heat or vigor due to increased swelling and pain, unlike chronic conditions that may benefit.

12. Which condition requires avoiding friction over the area: acute dermatitis or healed scar?

    Acute dermatitis. Acute dermatitis involves irritated skin that friction could exacerbate, unlike stable healed scars.

13. What is the contraindication rule for massage over a recent surgical incision?

    Avoid until healed and cleared; no direct work over incision early on. Recent incisions are vulnerable to infection, dehiscence, or delayed healing from premature manipulation.

14. What is the primary contraindication concern with an acute systemic infection?

    Risk of spreading infection and overloading the immune system. Massage during acute infection heightens circulation, potentially disseminating pathogens and straining bodily defenses.

15. Which skin condition requires avoiding direct contact due to high contagion: psoriasis or impetigo?

    Impetigo. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection that direct contact could spread, unlike non-contagious psoriasis.

16. What is the contraindication rule for massage over varicose veins?

    Avoid deep pressure directly over the veins; use light work only. Varicose veins are fragile and susceptible to rupture or worsening with deep pressure.

17. What is the contraindication rule for deep abdominal massage during pregnancy?

    Avoid deep abdominal work; use side-lying and gentle techniques. Deep abdominal work during pregnancy risks uterine stimulation or fetal harm, favoring safer positioning and methods.

18. What is the contraindication rule for massage over an open wound?

    Do not massage the open wound; avoid the area until healed. Open wounds are prone to infection and disruption of healing processes if massaged directly.

19. What is the difference between an absolute and a local contraindication?

    Absolute: no massage; local: avoid or modify work in one area. Absolute contraindications prohibit all massage to avoid systemic risks, while local ones allow treatment elsewhere but require modifications in affected areas.

20. What is the contraindication rule for massage over a localized infection such as cellulitis?

    Avoid the area; postpone or refer due to risk of spreading infection. Localized infections like cellulitis can spread systemically with manipulation, necessitating avoidance for containment.

21. Which pregnancy-related situation is a contraindication requiring referral: preeclampsia signs or normal fatigue?

    Signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia involves hypertension and organ risks requiring medical intervention, unlike typical pregnancy symptoms.

22. What is the contraindication rule for massage over a new bruise or acute contusion?

    Avoid direct pressure; treat as acute inflammation until resolved. New bruises involve inflammation and potential bleeding, which direct pressure could aggravate.

23. What is the contraindication concern with severe, uncontrolled hypertension?

    Risk of cardiovascular event; massage requires medical clearance. Severe hypertension increases stroke or heart attack risk with massage-induced circulation changes, needing professional approval.

24. What is the contraindication rule for massage over an inflamed lymph node?

    Avoid direct pressure; refer if unexplained or persistent swelling. Inflamed lymph nodes may signal infection or pathology, where pressure could spread issues or delay diagnosis.

25. What is the definition of a massage contraindication?

    A condition that requires avoiding or modifying massage to prevent harm. Contraindications identify situations where massage could exacerbate a condition or cause injury, necessitating adjustments for client safety.

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