MBLEx Massage Therapy Exam
Pathology and Contraindications Practice Questions
60 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the MBLEx Massage Therapy Exam.
Master Pathology and Contraindications to boost your score on the MBLEx Massage Therapy Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 60 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
Q1.Which condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication to massage therapy?
A.Mild muscle sorenessB.Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)C.Non-inflamed osteoarthritisD.Healed scar tissue (more than 3 months old)B. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)Explanation: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an absolute contraindication to massage in the affected limb. Massage could dislodge a thrombus (blood clot), causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. The therapist should refer the client to a physician immediately.
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Q2.A client has an acute (less than 72 hours old) ankle sprain. What is the recommended massage approach?
A.Deep tissue massage directly over the injury siteB.Avoid the injured area; lymphatic drainage proximal to the injury may be used with cautionC.Vigorous petrissage to reduce swellingD.Full-body Swedish massage including the ankleB. Avoid the injured area; lymphatic drainage proximal to the injury may be used with cautionExplanation: In the acute inflammatory phase (0–72 hours), the injury site should not be directly massaged as it increases inflammation and pain. Gentle lymphatic drainage proximal to the site may reduce swelling. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the standard first-aid approach.
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Q3.Which skin condition is a LOCAL contraindication for massage?
A.Well-controlled psoriasis on the elbowsB.Open wounds, rashes, or active inflammationC.Old, well-healed surgical scarsD.Dry skin without any lesionsB. Open wounds, rashes, or active inflammationExplanation: Open wounds, active rashes, infected areas, sunburn, and active inflammatory conditions are local contraindications — the therapist should avoid the affected area but may work elsewhere on the body. Working over these areas can spread infection or worsen the condition.
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Q4.Massage is generally contraindicated for clients with which cancer status?
A.Cancer in remission for more than 5 yearsB.Metastatic or active cancer without physician clearanceC.Benign tumors that are not growingD.All cancer diagnoses without exceptionB. Metastatic or active cancer without physician clearanceExplanation: Active or metastatic cancer requires physician clearance before massage. Concern exists that massage could stimulate lymph flow and potentially facilitate metastasis, though evidence is limited. Massage has benefits for cancer patients in palliative care settings but requires modified techniques and medical approval.
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Q5.A pregnant client in her first trimester requests a massage. What is the appropriate response?
A.Refuse all massage services during the first trimesterB.Apply deep abdominal massage to relieve crampingC.Obtain physician clearance if there are risk factors; use pregnancy-appropriate positioning and avoid deep work on the abdomen and specific acupressure pointsD.Perform full-body deep tissue massage as pregnancy does not affect massage protocolsC. Obtain physician clearance if there are risk factors; use pregnancy-appropriate positioning and avoid deep work on the abdomen and specific acupressure pointsExplanation: First-trimester massage is generally avoided by some therapists due to higher miscarriage risk, though it is not absolutely contraindicated for low-risk pregnancies. For any pregnant client, side-lying positioning is preferred, deep abdominal work is avoided, and certain acupressure points (SP-6, BL-60, LI-4) associated with uterine stimulation are avoided.
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