MBLEx Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination Questions and Answers

The brachial plexus is the nerve bundle that serves the arm and most of the shoulder.

Postural muscles work to sustain your posture within the gravity field. Both the pectoralis major and scalene muscles contribute to the postural integrity of the human body. Postural muscles consist of slow twitch fibers and are best suited for sustained work. They are also prone to hypertonicities.

A salt glow is a treatment in which the practitioner applies sea salts to the body in a rubbing fashion to exfoliate the skin.

All of the other options would indicate a chronic or later stage of an injury/disfunction. During an acute injury, inflammation would be most evident.

A grade 4 whiplash is a critical condition associated with extreme neck pain, cervical fractures and/or dislocations, possible spinal cord injury and serious soft tissue damage. Massage is contraindicated until the condition is stabilized and a medical release is provided.

Nervousness, a racing heart, trembling hands and anxiety are all common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones which speed up chemical processes and metabolism within the body. The other answers are symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The alimentary canal is the passageway from the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and ends at the anus. This canal is also the digestive tract.

Speaking about a client to another client, a client’s friend, or even the client’s family member is a violation of confidentiality. However, we do not need to be rude to maintain our professionalism. Simply suggesting that your client speak to his wife is a perfectly acceptable response.

Thrombocytes or platelets, are essential to blood clotting. Thrombocytes create platelet plugs by releasing prothrombin at an injury site that bonds with calcium to form a clot.

A pollicis is another term for thumb. Any question that includes the term pollicis will relate to the thumb.

The flexor carpi radailis muscle is part of the flexor muscle group of the forearm which inserts into the common flexor tendon. Medial epicondylitis is the condition which includes the flexor muscle group of the forearm. Medial epicondylitis is also called golfers elbow due to the end range of motion during a golf swing that causes the most damage to the flexor muscles.

Malpractice insurance is not required by Federal law. Regulations on massage vary from state to state. However, to adhere to sound business practices and for the protection of yourself and your clients, malpractice insurance is considered a necessity within the massage community.

Neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils are the three types of granular leukocytes (white blood cells) of the immune system which consume infectious diseases and foreign materials.

Albumins, globulins and fibrinogens are proteins found in the blood plasma. They serve many different functions, including transport of lipids, hormones, vitamins and metals in the circulatory system. They also regulate acellular (single cell) activity and the functioning of the immune system.

Costoclavicular test is often used to determine a brachial plexus compression syndrome. The costoclavicular test is also known as the military position test since the client rotates shoulders back and thrusts chest forward much like standing at attention. The practitioner feels for changes in the radial pulse to indicate a compression syndrome.

Tennis elbow affects the extensor muscles of the forearm and is attributed to the tearing of flexor muscles during impact of a back hand swing.

An individual person, working as a sole proprietor or as an independent contractor, must file the Schedule C for all related business income and expenses to calculate the net profit or loss of the business. Net profit or loss is then carried to IRS Form 1040.

A reflex arc is a neural pathway that allows for the activation of spinal motor neurons to trigger without involving the brain for a response.

Guyon’s canal syndrome is a compression of the ulnar nerve between the hook of the hamate and the pisiform bones located in the palm of the hand.

The sigmoid colon is part of the large intestine that is closest to the anus.

During a postural assessment evaluation, it is important to note both intrinsic and extrinsic factors for postural deviations. An intrinsic factor would be an internal issue and therefore includes physical abnormalities as a shortened leg. ; An improperly fitted shoe would be an example of an extrinsic factor upon the body.

A client who routinely presses the structure of the practice, like in this case, is testing the boundaries on what is acceptable. Regardless of a client’s situation, it is the therapist’s responsibility to set appropriate boundaries to ensure all participants feel safe and comfortable within the therapeutic environment.

A person who has been in an auto accident could have any number of injuries including shock. For the safety of the client and your protection as a therapist, the best recommendation is to refer the client for a medical evaluation before any treatment is considered.

The acromion process is located at the top of the shoulder and articulates with the lateral end of the clavicle. It is the fibers of the middle trapezius that insert into the medial margin of the acromion process.

The plasma membrane is made of two layers of fat molecules that contain phosphorus and is also known as the phospholipid bilayer.

There are two primary types of circulation systems in nature, one being open and the other being closed. In humans, the blood never leaves the intricate webbing of blood vessels and is thus considered a closed circulatory system. An open circulatory system is one where blood and interstitial fluid move freely within an organism, as in the case of gastropods, otherwise known as snails.

A client with pes cavus has a foot deformity characterized by an abnormally high medially longitudinal arch, also known as a high medial arch of the foot.

Testing the range of motion while the client is moving under their own power is known as an active range of motion test.

The Wright’s hyperabduction test raises the client’s arms above their heads through abduction which stretch tightens the pectoralis minor. A change in the radial pulse indicates a positive test for impingement by the pectoralis minor.

Although it may seem cold and unfriendly, it is up to the client to approach the massage therapist if they wish in a public setting.

The cell is the basic building block of all living things. Cells are organized into tissues having specialized properties and functions. Tissues are further organized into organs (and organ systems).

Having concise and clear boundaries is the best way to eliminate confusion and gain trust from a client, and in doing so the massage therapist establishes integrity.

There are various forms of myocytes in the body, but it is the cardiac myosytes that are responsible for generating the electrical impulses that control heart rate.

Having clear boundaries will assist the massage therapist in knowing when a personal limit has been reached and what can be expected from the therapist and the client within a professional relationship.

The annular ligament stabilizes the proximal radius against the ulna during pronation and supination of the wrist. The ligament is located deep to the supinator and origin of the extensor muscles of the forearm near the head and proximal shaft of the radius at the elbow.

HOPS stands for History, Observation, Palpation and Special tests. HOPS is used to assess the client’s experience, provide a postural assessment, give a physical examination, and test the function and structure of the client’s body.

Keloids are a type of scar tissue with an overgrowth of type 3 collagen fibers, creating firm, often shiny fibrous nodules. Cross fiber friction is best suited to break up and smooth over keloid tissue.

Olfaction is the sense of smell. Special sensory cells in the nasal cavity called olfactory sensors are designed to transmit the sense of smell via the detection of odor molecules.

There are times when undraping sensitive areas for treatment is within the scope of practice of massage. However, a massage therapist who routinely drapes in an unprofessional manner is breaking a standard of conduct indicated in the massage code of ethics.

Systole and diastole refer to the contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) phase of a heart beat.

Tibialis anterior muscle inserts into the medial or first cuneiform bone and the first metatarsal of the foot.

The diaphragm muscle which extends across the bottom of the rib cage is the muscle responsible for initiating inhalation.

One of the few times a massage therapist is allowed to break confidentiality is when he or she suspects a client to be in personal danger or harm. In this case, the massage therapist has a professional obligation to ensure the safety of the client.

A visual assessment can be a powerful tool in determining a client’s muscular and structural symmetry and deviation. The findings of the assessment help the massage therapist create effective treatment plans.

Stratum lucidum is a translucent buildup of two to three layers of dead skin cells typically found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Stratum lucidum is located between the deeper stratum granulosum and the more superficial stratum corneum layers of skin. The thickness of stratum layers of cells is governed by the rate of mitosis (cellular division.)

The P is for plan, which details what the next step is for the client. The plan could suggest stretch and exercise options, whether there should be additional care with a doctor or determine future visits with the practitioner.

Soft tissue barriers represent the degree to which soft tissues can be manipulated for effective treatments. Understanding soft tissue barriers is an integral part of the assessment process.

The mitochondria within a cell handles the task of breaking down glucose molecules to release energy.

The second role, as a professional, is as important as the first role. One can be the greatest massage therapist in the world, but if the massage therapist does not abide by the guidelines, ethics and laws set forth for the profession, then the therapist can do more harm than good to those who seek their help.

A z-line is the dark band that separate sarcomeres and forms the borders where actin molecules within a muscle combine.

During a forced exhalation, the abdominal muscles are engaged to assist the expulsion of air from the lungs.

Zoning ordinances and regulations are local laws that govern how a property can be used. Always check with the local municipality before making any major changes to a home or office.

The epiglottis is a fold of cartilaginous tissue located above the glottis in the pharynx. During normal swallowing the larynx moves upward and the epiglottis folds over the glottis. This prevents substances from entering the respiratory system.

A locked door can put the therapist at risk of being accused for entrapment of a client. If a door must be locked be sure to ask the client for permission.

The suffix -plegia refers to a paralysis and is added to root words to distinguish a paralysis of that particular region or structure. An example is hemiplegia, which describes a paralysis on one half of the body.

Inert tissues are those that are not contractile such as bone, bursa, blood vessels, cartilage, fat, ligaments, nerves and nerve coverings.

An antigen is a substance either foreign or internal that triggers an immune response. This response is triggered by a histocompatibility molecule within each cell that can trigger an immune response.

The circadian rhythm is a term used to describe biological process that are governed by external factors like light and darkness or temperature. The circadian rhythm was first recorded in the 4th century BC and has been researched ever since. The evidence points to this clock being reset every 24 hours.

Carbohydrate digestions occurs mainly in the small intestine where the pancreatic digestive enzyme amylase converts starches into maltose which is then converted to glucose by the enzyme maltase. Sucrase converts sucrose to glucose and lactase converts lactose to glucose in the small intestine as well.

An active trigger point is a muscle knot that causes pain at all times.

Licensure is handled by state massage boards that determine the minimum educational requirements and certifications needed for qualification. A massage therapist who is interested in licensure in a state that regulates massage should first contact the state massage board for regulation requirements.

The brachial plexus is a nerve bundle that supplies the arm and hand. The root of the nerve innervates the scalene muscles where a hypertonicity can compress the nerve plexus as well as the subclavian artery and vein.

The digestive tract contains a smooth muscle cell layer (the muscularis externa) having no motor innervation. Pacemaker cells located throughout the digestive tract send signals to the muscularis externa. This causes rhythmic waves of muscular contraction and propels material through the digestive tract.

The passive range of motion test assesses the antagonist muscles of the body. We are looking for the muscle that would inhibit rotation to the right. In this case, the left levator scapularis is the shortened muscle.

Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, is a hormone that affects nearly every cell in the body by regulating metabolic processes.

When a client asks about the private matters of a common client/friend, they are trying to fill a gap that a massage therapist, as a professional, should not fill. The massage therapist may think the client making the request for information will respect the therapist for divulging privileged information but they will ultimately grow to distrust the therapist’s adherence to client confidentiality. The best answer is one that puts the focus back on them.

A stroma refers to the connective framework that supports the cellular structure of tissue and organs.

FSH or follicle stimulating hormone, produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland regulates the reproductive processes of the body, including development, growth and maturation.

A Golgi tendon organ or GTO provides the sensory component to the Golgi tendon reflex, a phenomenon that protects a muscle/tendon from an excessive load or stretch.

When the body is exposed to prolonged heat, more blood is shunted to superficial veins in order to lower body temperature. This results in decreased venous return to the heart. The resulting lowered cardiac output causes less oxygenated blood to reach the brain, causing dizziness and fainting.