MBLEx Flashcards
Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, and Special Populations
The pathology content area of the massage licensing exam assesses the MBLEx candidate’s knowledge of pathology, massage contraindications, special populations, areas of caution, and classes of medications. Massage exam candidates should understand the basic signs and symptoms of common pathologies and injuries so that they can provide a competent client assessment and a safe and effective massage therapy treatment. MBLEx flashcards are a great study tool to add to any MBLEx review plan, whether using our free flashcards here or making your own. We also have a free 50-question practice test for the MBLEx that you can try when you’re ready.
To learn more about common conditions that you are likely to encounter in clinical practice or on the MBLEx, check out our guide to pathology for massage therapists . This article provides an brief overview of over 135 common pathologies.
Massage Pathology
What skin condition presents as a dry, red, itchy rash, commonly found behind the knees and at the crease of the elbows?
eczema
What is another term for frozen shoulder?
adhesive capsulitis
What term is used to describe a partially dislocated joint?
subluxation
What is another name for a flexion-extension injury at the cervical region?
whiplash
An injury that occurred 3 days ago and is still swollen and warm is considered __________.
acute
Migraine and cluster headaches are considered what type of headache?
vascular
What kind of infection is tinea pedis?
fungal (athlete's foot)
What chronic autoimmune disease has signs/symptoms of joint damage, inflammation, and damage to the skin, heart and lungs?
lupus
Inflammation of a tendon is called __________.
tendinitis
What is bleeding internally or externally called?
hemorrhage
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects what structure(s)?
colon
What is the visible sign of jaundice?
yellowish skin
Massage Contraindications
For what blood pressure disorder is massage therapy contraindicated?
severe or unstable hypertension
At what stage in the healing process is massage virtually always contraindicated?
acute
What is a highly contagious and itchy skin disease caused by mites?
scabies
Skin irritation, redness, itching, rash, blistering, and hives are all signs or symptoms of what?
allergic reaction
What is another name for the contagious condition of conjunctivitis?
pink eye
When massage therapy could cause harm or make a problem worse, it is said to be __________ .
contraindicated
If massage is contraindicated in only a specific area of the body, then it is said to be ____________ .
locally contraindicated
Massage techniques using heavy pressure is contraindicated for clients with osteoporosis due to risk of _________ .
bone fractures
Massage therapy is locally contraindicated around blood clots, also called:
deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and also hematoma
Name a area of the body where deep massage is locally contraindicated due to the potential to easily break a bone.
xiphoid process; also the styloid process of the temporal bone
Is massage appropriate for a client with a systemic infection? Why?
No. This is a general or systemic contraindication because it could cause harm to the client.
What is a highly contagious (and contraindicated) bacterial skin condition that primarily affects children and often appears as red sores on the face or body?
impetigo
Areas of caution
Which stage of pregnancy requires additional precautions due to higher risk of miscarriage?
first trimester
What structures of the lymphatic system should the massage therapist be careful to avoid damaging?
lymph nodes
A small lesion such as a cut, decubitus ulcer, or patch of dermatitis is considered a:
local precaution
In which endangerment site is the vagus nerve vulnerable?
anterior triangle of the neck
What are 3 vulnerable structures located in the femoral triangle?
femoral nerve, artery and vein
What does the ABCDE guideline of assessing melanoma skin cancer stand for?
Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution
Special populations
A client with a spinal cord injury at the thoracic or lumbar spine will likely have some degree of __________.
paraplegia
What treatment modality is contraindicated for clients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
heat treatments
What is an example of a physical problem that a wheelchair-bound client may have?
hamstring or hip flexor tightness, pressure sores, sciatica, carpal tunnel...
What does PTSD stand for?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is the best way to treat a client who is HIV positive, and doesn't have any current signs or symptoms?
use standard precautions
Which special population group may be more susceptible to bruising and fractures, and more sensitive to heavy pressure?
geriatric
Classes of medications
What class of medications is used to relieve pain?
analgesic
What is a common side effect ofantihypertensives, benzodiazepines, and antihistamines?
dizziness or lightheadedness
Ibuprofen is and example of what class of medication?
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Medications containing amphetamines, caffeine or steroids can increase:
anxiety
Baclofen and soma are examples of what kind of medication?
skeletal muscle relaxant
What class of medications if likely to increase bruising?
anticoagulants
Muscle Flashcards
Learn muscle origins, insertions and actions with our Muscle Flashcards. Each MBLEx Guide membership (Gold, Silver & Bronze) includes 115 muscle flashcards to help you pass the FSMTB massage licensing exam.