MBLEx key terms

The body's ongoing effort to keep internal conditions - such as temperature, pH, and fluid balance - within narrow ranges that allow cells to function. Massage supports it indirectly by reducing stress and improving circulation.

A standard reference stance in which a person stands upright, faces forward, arms at the sides, and palms turned forward. Body directions and landmark descriptions are stated relative to this position.

Closer to the point where a limb attaches to the trunk, or closer to the body's center along a limb. The elbow, for example, is proximal to the wrist.

Continuous sheets and cords of connective tissue that surround, connect, and suspend muscles, organs, and nerves. Restrictions in fascia can limit movement and are addressed with sustained, slow techniques.

Fluid carried through vessels that returns excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream and carries immune cells. It moves mainly through muscle contraction and breathing rather than a pump.

Dense fibrous connective tissue that attaches a muscle to bone and transmits the muscle's pulling force. Tendons are strong but poorly supplied with blood, so they heal slowly.

The muscle that produces the desired movement, sometimes called the prime mover. It contracts concentrically while opposing muscles lengthen or relax to allow the action.

The muscle on the opposite side of a joint from the agonist, which opposes or controls the movement. It must lengthen or relax to permit the agonist's action.

The origin is the muscle attachment that stays relatively fixed during contraction; the insertion is the attachment that moves. Knowing both helps predict which joint action a muscle creates.

A contraction in which muscle tension stays fairly constant while the muscle changes length, producing visible joint movement. Lifting a limb against light resistance is an example.

A state of increased resting tension in muscle tissue that feels firm or tight on palpation. It may follow overuse, guarding, or stress and often responds to slow compressive and lengthening work.

The short-term response to tissue injury marked by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. Vigorous massage to the area is generally avoided while it is active.

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in tissue spaces. It may follow injury, immobility, or circulatory problems, and massage direction and pressure must be chosen cautiously.

A chronic pain condition featuring widespread muscle aching, fatigue, and tender points, often with sleep disturbance. Pressure must be adjusted to client tolerance because symptoms and sensitivity vary widely.

A blood clot that forms and stays inside a blood vessel. Massaging over a known or suspected clot could dislodge it, so the area is treated as a local contraindication.

Enlarged, twisted superficial veins, usually in the legs, caused by faulty valves and increased pressure. Direct deep pressure over them is avoided; light work directed toward the heart may be permitted.

Any condition or circumstance that makes a technique inadvisable. An absolute contraindication rules out the whole session; a local one applies only to a specific area or technique.

An area where superficial nerves, blood vessels, or bony landmarks are vulnerable to pressure injury. Examples include the anterior neck, the axilla, and the area behind the knee.

A gliding stroke that follows the contour of the tissue, usually directed toward the heart. It is used to open a session, apply lubricant, and link other strokes.

A family of kneading strokes that lift, roll, squeeze, or wring soft tissue. It is used to soften tight muscle, improve circulation, and work deeper than gliding strokes.

A rhythmic percussion stroke such as cupping, hacking, or tapping performed with relaxed hands. It is stimulating and brief, and is avoided over bone, the kidneys, and inflamed tissue.

Small, focused strokes applied with fingers, thumb, or knuckles that create movement between tissue layers. Slow cross-fiber or circular friction helps restore mobility in scar tissue and adhesions.

A tender, taut band within muscle that refers pain or other sensations when compressed. Treatment usually combines sustained pressure with the client's feedback and gentle stretching.

Movement of a joint produced entirely by the therapist while the client remains relaxed and does not assist. It reveals available motion and helps maintain mobility without adding muscle work.

Movement the client performs independently through a joint's available range. Observing it shows willingness to move, coordination, and pain at specific points in the arc.

Using the hands to assess tissue temperature, texture, tone, tenderness, and swelling. Findings are compared side to side and combined with the client's history before planning work.

A charting format organized into Subjective reports, Objective findings, Assessment, and Plan. It keeps a clear record of each session and supports communication with other health professionals.

A document completed before treatment that records health history, medications, injuries, goals, and consent. It helps the therapist screen for contraindications and set a safe plan.

A client's voluntary agreement to treatment after being told the techniques, expected effects, alternatives, risks, and right to stop. Consent should be documented and revisited as care changes.

The boundaries of what a therapist is legally and professionally trained to do, defined by law and credentialing. Working outside them risks harm, discipline, and liability.

The duty to keep client information private and share it only with proper authorization or when the law requires. It covers conversations, records, and even the fact that someone is a client.

Negligence by a professional that causes harm, shown by a duty owed, a breach of the standard of care, causation, and damages. Accurate records and informed consent are key protections.

The limits that keep the therapeutic relationship focused on the client's care and protect both parties. They cover touch, self-disclosure, gifts, dual relationships, and the power difference in the relationship.

The client's tendency to redirect feelings from past relationships onto the therapist. Recognizing it helps the therapist respond neutrally rather than personally.

The level of skill and caution a reasonably competent therapist with similar training would provide in similar circumstances. It is the benchmark used to judge negligence claims.

The use of sheets and towels to cover the client so only the area being worked is exposed. Proper draping protects modesty, keeps the client warm, and supports professional boundaries.

Directing a client to another practitioner when a condition is outside the therapist's scope or needs medical evaluation. Referral is a mark of good practice, not a failure of skill.