MBLEx flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Anatomical Position
- Standing upright with the face forward, arms at the sides and palms facing anteriorly, feet flat and parallel. It is the reference position for all anatomical directional terms.
- Sagittal Plane
- A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right portions. Flexion and extension movements of the limbs occur within this plane.
- Axial Skeleton
- The 80 bones forming the central axis of the body: skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. It protects the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs.
- Origin
- The muscle attachment that is relatively fixed or closer to the trunk during a contraction. In most limb muscles it is the proximal attachment.
- Isometric Contraction
- Muscle tension develops while muscle length and joint angle stay unchanged, as when holding a weight steady against gravity.
- Third-Class Lever
- A lever system in which the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load. Most joints in the human body operate this way, favoring speed over force.
- Antagonist
- The muscle that opposes the action of the prime mover. It lengthens or relaxes in a controlled way to allow smooth, coordinated joint movement.
- Sprain
- Injury to a ligament from overstretching or tearing, usually after a sudden twist or force. It is graded I to III according to severity.
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative joint disease from cartilage loss, producing joint pain worsened by activity and morning stiffness that typically lasts less than 30 minutes.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- An autoimmune condition causing symmetric inflammation of small joints, with morning stiffness often lasting longer than one hour along with fatigue and possible deformity.
- Tendinitis
- Inflammation of a tendon producing localized pain, swelling, and discomfort with active movement of the associated muscle, often from repetitive overuse.
- Absolute Contraindication
- A condition that prohibits massage entirely until resolved, such as fever, acute infectious disease, or deep vein thrombosis, regardless of the area requested.
- Local Contraindication
- A restriction applying only to a specific body region, such as avoiding massage directly over an open wound, bruise, tumor, or area of acute inflammation.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Massage is contraindicated because dislodging the clot can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
- Effleurage
- A gliding stroke using the palm or fingers, generally directed toward the heart, used to warm tissue, spread lubricant, and begin or end a session.
- Petrissage
- A group of kneading techniques including kneading, wringing, rolling, and picking up. It alternately compresses and releases soft tissue to mobilize deeper layers.
- Tapotement
- Rhythmic percussion techniques such as hacking, cupping, and tapping applied briskly with the hands or fingers. It is stimulating and avoided over kidneys and bone.
- Ischemic Compression
- Sustained pressure applied to a trigger point until tenderness diminishes, then gradually released. It is used to restore normal tissue tone and reduce referred pain.
- SOAP Note
- A charting format with Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan sections. It organizes intake findings, treatment performed, interpretation, and follow-up into one record.
- Active Range of Motion
- Movement a client produces using their own muscle contraction without therapist assistance. It indicates willingness to move plus joint and soft tissue function.
- Endangerment Site
- An area where underlying nerves, blood vessels, or organs are vulnerable to pressure injury, such as the carotid triangle, axilla, femoral triangle, and popliteal fossa.
- Passive Range of Motion
- Joint movement performed entirely by the therapist while the client stays relaxed. It reveals joint and soft tissue restrictions without active muscle guarding.
- Scope of Practice
- The legally defined activities a massage therapist may perform. It covers soft tissue assessment and treatment and excludes diagnosis, prescription, and treatment of disease.
- Informed Consent
- Voluntary agreement to treatment given after the client understands techniques, benefits, risks, and alternatives. It can be withdrawn at any time during the session.
- Standard Precautions
- Infection-control practices applied to every client, including hand hygiene and gloves whenever contact with body fluids or non-intact skin is possible.
- Nonmaleficence
- The ethical principle of doing no harm. It requires therapists to avoid actions or omissions that could injure clients, including respecting contraindications.
- Autonomy
- The principle that clients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including refusing specific techniques, ending a session, or declining care entirely.
- Transference
- A client's unconscious projection onto the therapist of feelings originally tied to another person. It must be recognized and handled without breaching professional boundaries.
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Coverage that protects a massage therapist against claims of negligence or client injury arising from practice, and usually funds the cost of legal defense.
- Independent Contractor
- A worker who controls how the work is performed, sets their own schedule, and receives a 1099 tax form rather than a W-2 with withheld taxes.
- Draping
- Use of sheets or towels to cover the client and expose only the area being treated. It protects privacy, warmth, and professional boundaries during a session.
- Body Mechanics
- Use of correct posture, stance, and table height, with feet apart, knees soft, and back straight, to reduce strain on the therapist during massage.