Body treatments, massage, and body care
What this domain tests
This domain covers body analysis, massage techniques, body care products, draping, contraindications and aftercare. Questions link technique choice to client safety and intended effects.
Core rules
- Screen for contraindications: fever, infection, acute injury, unexplained pain, swelling, thrombosis, uncontrolled hypertension, recent surgery, pregnancy complications and skin disease. Some conditions need medical clearance.
- Massage direction is generally toward the heart for relaxation and circulation, but technique depends on goal. Effleurage glides and links movements; petrissage kneads; tapotement is percussive; friction and vibration work local tissues.
- Maintain draping and privacy, warm hands and products, and adjust pressure to client feedback. Avoid pressure over bony prominences, varicose veins, inflamed areas and the abdomen in some pregnancies.
- Body scrubs exfoliate mechanically or chemically; wraps may hydrate, cool or warm. Check allergy, sensitivity and product instructions.
- Heat treatments raise core temperature and circulation; they are unsuitable in pregnancy, cardiovascular disease and impaired sensation.
- Clean linen and tools between clients; record products, areas treated, pressure and reactions.
Worked example
A client requests a firm back massage but has a painful, warm, swollen calf after a long flight. This suggests possible deep vein thrombosis. Do not massage; advise urgent medical assessment. Massage could dislodge a clot.
Traps
Massaging over a suspected clot; using heat with impaired sensation; letting draping slip; and assuming deep tissue always means more pressure.