What is the only contraindicated condition that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism?

What is the only contraindicated condition that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism?

• A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• B. Hypertension
• C. Varicose veins
• D. Asthma

Answer: (A)

Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in the deep veins, most often in the legs. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, or to the brain or heart, causing a stroke or heart attack. Because massage or other manual therapies can move or disturb clots, active DVT is an absolute contraindication. This is why it’s singled out as the condition that can lead to those life-threatening embolic events. The other conditions—hypertension, varicose veins, and asthma—do not carry the same immediate risk of embolism during a session, though they may require adjustments or precautions in technique. If DVT is suspected or known, defer treatment and advise medical evaluation.

Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in the deep veins, most often in the legs. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, or to the brain or heart, causing a stroke or heart attack. Because massage or other manual therapies can move or disturb clots, active DVT is an absolute contraindication. This is why it’s singled out as the condition that can lead to those life-threatening embolic events. The other conditions—hypertension, varicose veins, and asthma—do not carry the same immediate risk of embolism during a session, though they may require adjustments or precautions in technique. If DVT is suspected or known, defer treatment and advise medical evaluation.