Massage & Bodywork Licensing Practice Examination (MBLEx)

When considering the appropriateness of massage therapy, it is crucial to understand the implications of performing massage on certain conditions. In the case of a client with a recent fracture, performing massage therapy would not be advisable due to several reasons.

Firstly, a recent fracture typically involves areas of injury that are healing and require protection and stability. Introducing massage to the area could potentially disrupt the healing process, increase pain, or lead to complications such as misalignment of the healing bone.

Additionally, fractured areas are usually sensitive to touch and might be accompanied by inflammation or swelling. Manipulating these areas with massage could exacerbate these symptoms.

In contrast, while clients with a cold may feel uncomfortable during a session, and muscle soreness often responds positively to massage, these conditions do not pose the same level of risk as a fracture. Likewise, a client seeking relaxation is typically not facing any contraindications for massage. Therefore, a recent fracture presents a clear situation where massage therapy is inappropriate, prioritizing the health and safety of the client above all.