Pathology, Contraindications & Pharmacology
Recognize risk, adapt thoughtfully, and know when to pause or refer.
Lesson 1 of 18
Disease Foundations
Pathology examines changes in normal structure or function. Etiology describes why a condition develops, while its course may be sudden, brief, persistent, or episodic. A massage therapist observes and documents relevant information but does not diagnose. The client's report and the therapist's observations are different kinds of useful data.
Key points
- Etiology may include infectious agents, inherited traits, injury, environment, or interacting factors.
- Acute describes a relatively rapid onset or short course; it does not automatically mean severe.
- Chronic conditions persist or recur over time and may fluctuate in intensity.
- A sign is observable or measurable; a symptom is experienced and reported by the person.
- Record the client's words and objective findings without assigning a medical label.
- New, unexplained, worsening, or alarming findings warrant pausing and referral.
Key terms
- Etiology
- The cause or contributing origin of a condition.
- Acute
- Having a relatively rapid onset or limited course.
- Chronic
- Persisting or recurring over an extended period.
- Sign
- An observable or measurable finding.
- Symptom
- A subjective experience reported by the person.
Memory tip
Signs are seen; symptoms are said - write down which is which.
Clinical note
Massage therapists do not diagnose. When the history or presentation is unclear, ask neutral questions, adapt conservatively, and refer to an appropriate clinician.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.