Pathologies for Bodyworkers: MBLEx Prep Course
Understanding pathology is a critical part of becoming a safe, effective, and compassionate massage therapist. This course is designed to guide you through the most common conditions you may encounter in both clinical and wellness settings—from musculoskeletal disorders to neurological, endocrine, digestive, and systemic pathologies. Each module breaks down essential information in a body-system format, helping you recognize symptoms, understand disease processes, and most importantly, adapt your bodywork sessions appropriately to meet each client’s needs. Whether you’re preparing for the MBLEx or building clinical confidence, this course gives you the insight to practice with clarity and confidence.
Each module includes a downloadable PDF packed with concise reference material, study exercises, and critical-thinking-based MBLEx-style practice questions. These resources are designed for repeat use, so you can revisit key points as needed during your studies. The goal is not just to memorize symptoms or contraindications—but to think like a massage therapist who understands how pathology and bodywork interact. By the end of this course, you’ll have a strong working knowledge of contraindications, clinical red flags, and adaptive strategies that help you support your clients while staying within your scope of practice.
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Introduction to Pathologies, Areas of Caution, Contraindications, and Special Populations
This module introduces the Pathologies, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, and Special Populations section of the MBLEx, which makes up 14% of the exam content. You’ll get a clear overview of what to expect in the course, including video lessons, downloadable PDF chapters, practice worksheets, and MBLEx-style quizzes for each system.
This module introduces the Pathologies, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, and Special Populations section of the MBLEx, which makes up 14% of the exam content. You’ll get a clear overview of what to expect in the course, including video lessons, downloadable PDF chapters, practice worksheets, and MBLEx-style quizzes for each system.
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Module 1: Musculoskeletal Pathologies
This module focuses on common musculoskeletal pathologies you’ll need to recognize for the MBLEx. You’ll learn key symptoms, massage considerations, and how to identify when massage is indicated, contraindicated, or needs to be adapted.
This module focuses on common musculoskeletal pathologies you’ll need to recognize for the MBLEx. You’ll learn key symptoms, massage considerations, and how to identify when massage is indicated, contraindicated, or needs to be adapted.
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Module 2: Neurological Pathologies
This module dives into neurological conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and more—highlighting how they affect the body and what massage therapists need to know. You’ll learn how to approach these clients with confidence, clinical awareness, and compassion.
This module dives into neurological conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and more—highlighting how they affect the body and what massage therapists need to know. You’ll learn how to approach these clients with confidence, clinical awareness, and compassion.
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Module 3: Integumentary Pathologies and Fungal Infections
The Integumentary System & Fungal Infections module covers common skin conditions, visual signs, and massage precautions for working safely and ethically with clients. This section helps you recognize red flags, build confidence in treatment decisions, and prepare for the pathology-related questions on the MBLEx.
The Integumentary System & Fungal Infections module covers common skin conditions, visual signs, and massage precautions for working safely and ethically with clients. This section helps you recognize red flags, build confidence in treatment decisions, and prepare for the pathology-related questions on the MBLEx.
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Module 4: Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems Pathologies
This module covers common circulatory and lymphatic conditions massage therapists must understand to provide safe, effective care. Learn key symptoms, bodywork precautions, and test your knowledge with hands-on practice activities and MBLEx-style questions.
This module covers common circulatory and lymphatic conditions massage therapists must understand to provide safe, effective care. Learn key symptoms, bodywork precautions, and test your knowledge with hands-on practice activities and MBLEx-style questions.
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Module 5: Respiratory and Digestive Systems Pathologies
This module reviews key conditions affecting breathing and digestion, including asthma, COPD, IBS, hepatitis, and more. You’ll learn symptoms, contraindications, and how to safely adapt massage for clients with these complex, system-wide concerns.
This module reviews key conditions affecting breathing and digestion, including asthma, COPD, IBS, hepatitis, and more. You’ll learn symptoms, contraindications, and how to safely adapt massage for clients with these complex, system-wide concerns.
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Module 6: Pathologies of the Endocrine, Urinary, Reproductive Systems + Mental Health
Explore internal and systemic pathologies—including mental health conditions, endocrine imbalances, and chronic diseases—and learn how to adapt your massage approach for these clients. This final module brings together everything you've learned to help you feel confident with complex cases and MBLEx preparation.
Explore internal and systemic pathologies—including mental health conditions, endocrine imbalances, and chronic diseases—and learn how to adapt your massage approach for these clients. This final module brings together everything you've learned to help you feel confident with complex cases and MBLEx preparation.
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