MBLEx Cheat Sheet | ExamFinch

Anatomy & Physiology

11% of exam
Body Systems Snapshot Tissue Injury & Repair System structure System function Energetic anatomy

Kinesiology

12% of exam
Muscle Origins & Insertions Muscle Actions Proprioceptors & Contractions Origin vs Insertion Planes and Motions

Pathology, Contraindications, Special Populations

14% of exam
Common Pathologies Endangerment Sites Medication Classes Contraindicated or Adapt? Areas of caution

Benefits & Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation

15% of exam
Strokes & Techniques Physiological Effects Hot & Cold Applications Effleurage vs Petrissage Swedish Stroke Order

Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning

17% of exam
Assessment & Documentation Clinical Reasoning & Planning Which Assessment Tool? SOAP Notes Active vs Passive ROM

Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, Regulations

16% of exam
Ethics & Boundaries Terms Outside Massage Scope Draping & Boundary Decisions Transference vs Countertransference Scope vs Ethics Violation

Guidelines for Professional Practice

15% of exam
Sanitation & Infection Control Draping & Body Mechanics MBLEx Test Day Rules Sanitize vs Disinfect Practitioner care

Quick Facts

Exam MBLEx
Body FSMTB
Questions 100 multiple-choice
Exam time 110 minutes
Appointment 120 minutes total
Format Fixed-length adaptive CAT
Result Pass or Fail only
Fee $265 per attempt
Delivery Pearson VUE test centers
Retake Reapply immediately, no wait
ATT window 120 days
Outline July 2023, 2022 JTA

Body Systems Snapshot AN

Cardiovascular Heart, vessels, blood transport
Lymphatic & Immune Fluid balance, infection defense
Musculoskeletal Support, movement, mineral storage
Nervous Senses, integrates, sends signals
Endocrine Hormones regulate slower processes
Integumentary Skin barrier, temperature control
Respiratory Gas exchange, oxygen delivery
Urinary Filters blood, balances fluid
Digestive Breaks down, absorbs nutrients

Tissue Injury & Repair AN

Acute phase Inflammation, first 72 hours
Subacute phase Repair, new collagen laid
Maturation phase Remodeling, scar strengthens slowly
Scar tissue Weaker, less elastic collagen
Adhesion Tissue layers stuck together
Energetic anatomy Meridians, chakras, subtle concepts

Planes and Motions KI

Sagittal flexes, frontal abducts, transverse rotates
Sagittal: flexion, extension Frontal: abduction, adduction Transverse: rotation

Origin vs Insertion KI

Origin

Fixed/proximal attachment
Moves less
Usually the larger bone

Insertion

Mobile/distal attachment
Moves toward origin
Usually the smaller bone
Anchor vs mover

Muscle Origins & Insertions KI

Trapezius Occiput, C7-T12 to scapula
Latissimus dorsi Lower spine to humerus groove
Pectoralis major Sternum, clavicle to humerus
Sternocleidomastoid Sternum, clavicle to mastoid
Deltoid Shoulder girdle to deltoid tuberosity
Biceps brachii Scapula to radial tuberosity
Psoas major Lumbar spine to lesser trochanter
Gluteus maximus Ilium, sacrum to femur
Rectus femoris AIIS to tibial tuberosity
Gastrocnemius Femoral condyles to calcaneus
Piriformis Anterior sacrum to greater trochanter
Levator scapulae C1-C4 to superior medial scapula
Rhomboids C7-T5 to medial scapular border
Quadratus lumborum Iliac crest to 12th rib

Muscle Actions KI

Upper trapezius Elevates and upwardly rotates scapula
Latissimus dorsi Extends, adducts, medially rotates
Pectoralis major Adducts, medially rotates humerus
Sternocleidomastoid Flexes neck, rotates opposite
Psoas major Primary hip flexor
Piriformis Laterally rotates extended hip
Hamstrings Flex knee, extend hip
Quadriceps Extend knee; rectus flexes hip
Deltoid Abducts arm at shoulder
Gastrocnemius Plantar flexes ankle, flexes knee

Proprioceptors & Contractions KI

Muscle spindle Senses stretch; triggers contraction
Golgi tendon organ Senses tension; triggers relaxation
Concentric Muscle shortens under load
Eccentric Muscle lengthens under load
Isometric Tension, no length change
Reciprocal inhibition Agonist contracts, antagonist relaxes
Agonist Prime mover of action
Antagonist Opposes the prime mover

Endangerment Sites PA

Neck, axilla, elbow, umbilicus, groin, popliteal
Neck: carotid, vagus Axilla: brachial plexus Elbow: ulnar nerve Umbilicus: abdominal aorta Groin: femoral vessels Popliteal: tibial nerve

Absolute vs Local Contraindication PA

Absolute

No massage at all
Systemic or serious risk
Refer out

Local

Avoid one site
Rest of body fine
Site-specific caution
Whole body vs one site

Contraindicated or Adapt? PA

Suspected DVT → No massage ( Refer immediately )
Fever or acute infection → Postpone session ( Systemic contraindication )
Contagious skin lesion → Avoid that site ( Local contraindication )
Acute inflammation, first days → Avoid; use cold ( Within 72 hours )
Varicose veins → Work around site ( No deep pressure )
Osteoporosis history → Light pressure only ( No joint mobilization )
Uncontrolled hypertension → Refer to physician ( Gentle once cleared )
Active cancer treatment → Physician clearance first ( Then adapt pressure )
Pregnant client → Side-lying, gentle ( Check state rules )
Recent surgery site → Avoid the area ( Clearance needed )
Undiagnosed pain → Refer for diagnosis ( Never diagnose )

Common Pathologies PA

DVT No massage; refer immediately Absolute
Fever or acute infection Postpone the entire session Absolute
Cellulitis Spreading skin infection; refer
Varicose veins Avoid site; no pressure Local
Osteoporosis Light pressure; no mobilization
Rheumatoid arthritis flare No massage during flare
Osteoarthritis Gentle work around joint
Fibromyalgia Light pressure, shorter session
Diabetes Check sensation; watch hypoglycemia
Uncontrolled hypertension Refer before massaging
Cancer Physician clearance; adapt pressure
Pregnancy Side-lying; avoid deep abdominal
Shingles or herpes Contagious lesions; avoid site
Acute bursitis Local contraindication while inflamed

Signs of Inflammation PA

Heat, redness, swelling, pain, lost function
Calor: heat Rubor: redness Tumor: swelling Dolor: pain Functio laesa: lost function

Acute vs Chronic PA

Acute

First 72 hours
Hot, swollen, inflamed
Cold; avoid the site

Chronic

Long-standing pattern
Adhesions and restriction
Heat; deeper work allowed
Cold acute, heat chronic

Medication Classes PA

Anticoagulants Bruising risk; lighter pressure
Antihypertensives Dizziness; help client rise
Opioid analgesics Masked pain; reduce pressure
Muscle relaxants Reduced protective muscle guarding
Corticosteroids Fragile skin and tissue
Diuretics Dehydration; frequent bathroom breaks
Antidiabetics Watch for low blood sugar

Swedish Stroke Order BE

Effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, vibration
Effleurage: glide Petrissage: knead Friction: cross-fiber Tapotement: percussion Vibration: shake

Effleurage vs Petrissage BE

Effleurage

Gliding strokes
Warms and assesses tissue
Applied toward the heart

Petrissage

Kneading and lifting
Milks metabolic waste out
Separates muscle fibers
Glide vs knead

Strokes & Techniques BE

Effleurage Gliding; warms and assesses
Petrissage Kneading; lifts and squeezes
Friction Cross-fiber; breaks down adhesions
Tapotement Percussion; stimulating, loosens congestion
Vibration Shaking; sedates or stimulates
Compression Rhythmic pressing; creates hyperemia
Myofascial release Slow, sustained fascial stretch
Trigger point work Sustained pressure; referred pain
Lymphatic drainage Light, slow, toward nodes
Muscle energy technique Contract, then relax and lengthen
Rocking Rhythmic; sedates nervous system

Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic BE

Sympathetic

Fight or flight
Raises heart rate
Fast tapotement stimulates

Parasympathetic

Rest and digest
Lowers heart rate
Slow effleurage sedates
Stimulate vs sedate

Physiological Effects BE

Mechanical effect Direct physical tissue change
Reflexive effect Nervous system mediated response
Hyperemia Increased local blood flow
Parasympathetic shift Rest and digest response
Thixotropy Ground substance gel to sol
Increased ROM Tissue lengthens, joints move
Pain gate theory Touch input dampens pain
Psychological effects Reduced anxiety, better body awareness

Hot & Cold Applications BE

Cold application Vasoconstriction; use for acute
Heat application Vasodilation; use for chronic
Contrast therapy Alternating heat and cold
Acute injury window First 72 hours; cold
Never heat Acute inflammation or swelling
Sensation check Confirm before any thermal

SOAP Notes AS

Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
S: client says O: you observe A: your findings P: next steps

Active vs Passive ROM AS

Active (AROM)

Client moves alone
Tests willingness and strength
Contractile tissue

Passive (PROM)

Therapist moves limb
Tests joint end feel
Inert tissue
Who moves the joint

Which Assessment Tool? AS

Need symptom history → Verbal intake ( Subjective data )
Screening for red flags → Health history form ( Written intake )
Checking standing alignment → Postural assessment ( Visual )
Watching client walk → Gait assessment ( Visual )
Feeling tissue texture → Palpation ( Objective )
Client moves the joint → Active ROM ( Willingness, strength )
You move the joint → Passive ROM ( End feel, inert )
Client resists your force → Resisted ROM ( Contractile tissue )

Assessment & Documentation AS

Verbal intake Client-reported history and goals
Health history form Written screening for contraindications
Postural assessment Standing alignment and landmarks
Gait assessment Walking pattern observation
Palpation Touch-based tissue evaluation
AROM Client moves; willingness, strength
PROM You move; joint end-feel
RROM Resisted; tests contractile tissue
End feel Quality at motion limit
SOAP note Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
Subjective data What the client reports
Objective data What you observe, measure

Domain Weight Order AS

Assessment 17 highest, anatomy 11 lowest
Assessment: 17% Ethics: 16% Benefits and Practice: 15% Pathology: 14% Kinesiology: 12% Anatomy: 11%

Clinical Reasoning & Planning AS

Rule out contraindications First step before treating
Treatment goals Client-centered, measurable outcomes
Treatment strategy Techniques, pressure, sequence, duration
Reassessment Compare against prior session
Referral Send out; never diagnose
Session organization Intake, treatment, closure, notes

Scope vs Ethics Violation ET

Scope violation

Breaks state law
Diagnosing or prescribing
License is at risk

Ethics violation

Breaks professional code
Dual relationship, gossip
May still be legal
Law vs code

Draping & Boundary Decisions ET

Client requests sexual contact → End session immediately ( Document and report )
Client declines undressing → Work over clothing ( Consent respected )
Uncovering gluteal area → Get verbal consent ( Re-drape after )
Working near breast tissue → Keep breasts draped ( Check state law )
Client is a minor → Guardian consent required ( Follow state law )
You feel attraction → Countertransference; seek supervision ( Never act )
Client asks you out → Decline; dual relationship ( Boundary violation risk )
Client requests diagnosis → Refer to physician ( Outside scope )
Client asks about others → Confidentiality; say nothing ( No exceptions )

Ethics & Boundaries Terms ET

Scope of practice Legally allowed services boundary
Code of ethics Professional conduct standards
Informed consent Agreement after clear explanation
Confidentiality Protect client information always
HIPAA Health information privacy law
Dual relationship Second role with client
Transference Client projects onto therapist
Countertransference Therapist projects onto client
Boundary crossing Minor, often harmless deviation
Boundary violation Harmful breach causing damage
Sexual misconduct Never acceptable; license loss
Power differential Therapist holds more power
Right of refusal Either party may stop

Transference vs Countertransference ET

Transference

Client projects feelings
Onto the therapist
Manage with boundaries

Countertransference

Therapist projects feelings
Onto the client
Seek supervision
Client projects vs therapist

Outside Massage Scope ET

Diagnosing conditions Licensed medical provider only
Prescribing medication Outside massage scope
Spinal adjustment Chiropractic scope only
Physical therapy claims Do not advertise them
Nutrition prescriptions Dietitian scope, not massage
Psychotherapy Refer to mental health
Interpreting imaging Outside massage scope
Breast massage rules Vary by state law

Sanitize vs Disinfect PR

Sanitize

Lowers microbe count
To a safe level
Soap and water

Disinfect

Kills most pathogens
Hard surfaces only
EPA-registered product
Reduce vs kill

Sanitation & Infection Control PR

Standard precautions Treat all fluids as infectious
Hand hygiene Wash before and after
Sanitize Reduces microbes to safe
Disinfect Kills most surface pathogens
Sterilize Destroys all microorganisms
Linens Fresh set every client
Bloodborne pathogens HBV, HCV, HIV
PPE Gloves, mask when indicated
Broken skin Cover or avoid site

Draping & Body Mechanics PR

Draping purpose Warmth, privacy, clear boundaries
Gluteal draping Consent first, then re-drape
Breast draping Female breasts draped; state-specific
Undressing Client chooses, done privately
Table height Hip to knuckle height
Body mechanics Stacked joints; power from legs
Horse stance Wide, stable, square base
Self-care Prevents practitioner overuse injury
Client safety Bolster, secure table, check

MBLEx Test Day Rules PR

Arrival 30 minutes before appointment
Identification Two IDs; names must match
Question order One at a time, forward
Unfinished exam All 100 or fail
Breaks None scheduled; clock keeps running
Prohibited items No phone, notes, or watch
Note board No writing before exam
Result display Pass message or diagnostic report
Reschedule fee $50 within 60 days
ATT window 120 days to test

Common Traps

Pass/Fail vs scaled score

FSMTB reports pass or fail ≠ No 630 scaled score published

Appointment vs testing time

Appointment is 120 minutes ≠ Scored exam is 110

Retake wait vs immediate

FSMTB sets no waiting period ≠ Reapply and pay again

Adaptive vs skippable

One question at a time ≠ No skipping, no review

Absolute vs local contraindication

Absolute stops the session ≠ Local avoids one area

Origin vs insertion

Origin is the fixed end ≠ Insertion moves toward origin

Heat vs cold timing

Cold for acute inflammation ≠ Heat for chronic tension

Scope vs ethics

Diagnosing breaks state law ≠ Dual roles break the code

Sanitize vs sterilize

Sanitize lowers microbe counts ≠ Sterilize destroys all microorganisms

Last Minute

1. 100 questions in 110 minutes
2. Appointment block is 120 minutes
3. Fixed-length CAT; no skipping
4. Unanswered items = automatic fail
5. Result is Pass/Fail only
6. Fee is $265 per attempt
7. Retake: reapply immediately, no wait
8. Assessment 17% is largest domain
9. Anatomy 11% is smallest domain
10. Absolute = no massage; local = site
11. Origin fixed; insertion moves
12. Cold acute; heat chronic
13. Effleurage glides; petrissage kneads
14. Transference client; countertransference therapist
15. Diagnosing is outside massage scope
16. Kidneys sit near 12th rib
17. Bring two IDs, arrive early

MBLEx Massage & Bodywork

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