← Pathology & Conditions for the MBLEx Massage Therapy Exam

Free Pathology & Conditions for the MBLEx Massage Therapy Exam Practice Test (2026)

100 questions · 110 min · 70% to pass

100 Questions · 110 Minutes · 70% to Pass

Question 1 of 5

Sample Questions

Question 1

What is the difference between an absolute contraindication and a local contraindication for massage?

Answer: An absolute contraindication means massage should not be performed at all, while a local contraindication means massage is avoided only in a specific area but can be performed elsewhere on the body.

Question 2

Why is massage contraindicated over an open wound or recent surgical incision?

Answer: Massage over open wounds or fresh incisions risks infection, disrupts the healing process, and can damage fragile new tissue and sutures.

Question 3

A client presents with fever of 102°F. What is the appropriate action and rationale?

Answer: Massage should be postponed because fever indicates the body is fighting infection, and massage can accelerate circulation, potentially spreading pathogens and increasing metabolic demand.

Question 4

Which condition makes massage of the abdomen an absolute contraindication?

Answer: An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an absolute contraindication to abdominal massage because pressure could cause the weakened vessel wall to rupture.

Question 5

Why is deep massage over a area of acute phlebitis contraindicated?

Answer: Deep massage over acute phlebitis can dislodge a thrombus (blood clot), potentially causing a life-threatening embolism such as a pulmonary embolism.