MBLEx Massage Therapy Exam — All Questions

A client discloses a recently diagnosed, untreated acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the calf. Massage is:

• a.An absolute (general) contraindication until medically cleared✓
• b.Safe if only light effleurage is used over the calf
• c.Indicated to improve local circulation in the leg
• d.Appropriate as long as the client reports no pain

An acute DVT is an absolute contraindication because massage could dislodge the clot and cause a life-threatening embolism. The client should be referred for medical care and cleared before any bodywork resumes.

A local contraindication means that the therapist should:

• a.Cancel the entire session
• b.Proceed normally over the whole body
• c.Avoid the specific affected area but may massage elsewhere✓
• d.Apply deeper pressure only to the affected area

A local contraindication (such as an open wound, localized rash, bruise, or varicose vein) means the affected area is avoided while the rest of the body can generally be treated safely. A general contraindication, by contrast, means the whole session should be postponed.

During the acute inflammatory phase of a fresh soft-tissue injury (first 24-48 hours), the therapist should generally:

• a.Apply deep, vigorous friction directly over the injury
• b.Avoid direct deep work over the injured site✓
• c.Use heat and cross-fiber friction to break up the swelling
• d.Stretch the injured tissue to its end range

In the acute phase, tissue is inflamed, swollen, and painful, and aggressive work can worsen bleeding and damage. Direct deep work over the site is avoided; supportive, indirect approaches and referral are appropriate while the tissue stabilizes.