MBLEx case studies

MBLEx · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is a national professional licensing exam developed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) at the request of states that regulate massage and bodywork. It provides consistent, nationally recognized entry-level standards that help state regulators judge whether a candidate can practice massage safely and competently. The MBLEx case studies are 5 cases and about 3,612 words.

The Calf That Got Tight on Its Own

Daniel, 58, books a 60-minute deep-tissue session for 'tight calves' that have ached for two weeks. His intake lists atrial fibrillation, warfarin (INR checked yesterday at 3.4), and a left total knee replacement 18 months ago.

698 words, about 3 min 2

Numb Feet, an Unfelt Sore, and a Glucose of 68

Priya, 47, has had type 2 diabetes for 12 years and her last HbA1c was 9.1%. She books a 90-minute relaxation massage and mentions, 'my feet feel numb and tingly, and there's a sore on my left heel I can't really feel.' She takes insulin and metformin, drove herself, and ate lunch about an hour ago.

709 words, about 4 min 3

Three Days After the Rear-Ender

Marcus, 34, books three days after a rear-end collision at about 35 mph. He reports neck stiffness, a headache that is 'different - worse when I lie down,' and tingling in both hands that started yesterday.

722 words, about 4 min 4

Rounded-Up Minutes and a Letter for the Attorney

You are an employee at a chiropractic clinic. The owner asks you to bill his patients' auto insurance under his provider number and to write that each session lasted 60 minutes even though the room is booked for 45 - 'insurance rounds up.' An attorney for one patient calls and asks you to sign a statement that the patient will need massage three times a week for a year.

728 words, about 4 min 5

Twenty-Nine Weeks, Deep Pressure, and a History of Preterm Labor

Yolanda, 31, is 29 weeks pregnant with her second child and books a 60-minute session for low back and hip pain. She says she 'cannot lie on my stomach at all' and gets lightheaded after a few minutes on her back.

755 words, about 4 min