MASSAGE THERAPY MBLEX PREP

MBLEx Test: Practice & Study Guide

Candidates interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) must pass their MBLEx. They can prepare using this MBLEx exam study guide. Also before taking the MBLEx, candidates must complete their education program, obtain verification from said program, and apply for the exam. Once the application is submitted, it is valid for 6 months, during which time candidates must schedule their exam. This 110-minute (1 hour and 50 minutes) exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions. The questions are distributed across 7 different content areas that focus on topics such as anatomy and physiology, pathology, and ethics. Explore details of each content area using the MBLEx study guide below.

Anatomy and Physiology

The MBLEx will test examinees' knowledge of the various systems within the human body. They will be asked about the specific structures involved in these systems, and should be able to explain how these different structures work. Questions may ask about the functions and components of the muscular, digestive, and nervous systems. They should also be aware of special senses, and understand the different aspects of energetic anatomy. They need to be familiar with various kinds of injuries that can occur to different tissues in the body, and have knowledge of the steps involved in the repair process of these injured tissues.

Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, Special Populations

The MBLEx will evaluate examinees' general knowledge of a wide range of pathologies. They need to be aware of different issues specific or common to special populations. They need to know how to identify and handle areas of caution on the body that may be affected by a pathology. Questions may ask about the different groups of medications that can be used to address pathologies.
Examinees will be tested on their understanding of different types of contraindications, or conditions or symptoms that may cause another treatment to be harmful. They need to be familiar with special methods of applications for different pathologies, and the specific tools that need to be used. They should be able to explain site-specific issues, or contraindications common to special populations.

Client Assessment, Reassessment, and Treatment Planning

When dealing with clients, examinees have to understand how to conduct a massage session. They must know the steps involved in a session, from the original consultation and evaluation, to the creation of a treatment strategy. They need to know how to take health-related information from their client, and perform palpation and visual (including postural) assessments. They should be able to determine a client's range of motion through assessment.
This content area will also test examinees' ability to collect data in written form, and apply clinical reasoning to the session. Candidates will identify any potential contraindications, and help clients determine the goal of the session. For continued treatment, they need to know how to evaluate a client's response to prior treatments, and create/adjust future treatment plans accordingly.

Guidelines for Professional Practice

In the final content area, examinees will be tested on their familiarity of the various safety- and business-related practices involved in massage therapy. They should be able to describe how to safely use massage-related equipment, sanitation practices, and therapist hygiene practices. They need to understand methods to help ensure that the client and therapist stay safe, as well as making sure the facility is in safe working order.
Examinees will have to answer questions about the proper way to drape clients, including how to explain what they are doing to the client, and ensuring it is done in an appropriate way. They will have to explain specific methods for caring for therapists and preventing injuries, including the use of protective gear. Questions may also address issues of self-care and body mechanics.
Finally, examinees should be prepared to discuss business practices with the appropriate business and healthcare terminology. They must understand how to plan a business, manage an office, and hire staff. They need to be able to maintain both client- and business-related records and market their business.

Kinesiology

Specifically, candidates need to be knowledgeable about the muscles in the human body. They need to know the different parts of each kind of muscle, where to find the muscles, and the unique features of different muscle groups. Questions may ask about the direction of fibers in muscles, and how they are attached. Examinees should be able to explain how muscles contract, and use proprioceptors to respond to stimuli.
Candidates will need to demonstrate their knowledge of the different ranges of motion. For instance, they should be able to describe a resistant range of motion, as well as active and passive motion. They also need to be familiar with how joints work, and compare the different functions of various joints in the body.

Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue

Candidates need to understand the power of touch on the human body. They should know the psychological and physiological effects of touch and the manipulation of soft tissues, including its benefits. They need to know how different clients may benefit from different kinds of soft tissue manipulation.
Candidates will be evaluated on their knowledge of massage modalities. This includes the specific methods that can be used during massage, including hot or cold applications, and the different kinds of strokes that can be used. They also need to be aware of the order in which these strokes need to be performed.

Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations

Candidates must have an understanding of the ethical behavior expected and required in the field. They need to know what constitutes a violation of the code of ethics, and be aware of appropriate professional boundaries. Questions may ask about the therapeutic relationship between a massage therapist and client, including issues of sexual misconduct or dual relationships.
The MBLEx will also examine topics in specific laws and policies involved in massage therapy. Candidates should understand the different regulations related to the field, and issues of confidentiality. They should understand the importance of professional communication, and know how to act within the scope of their practice.