Massage Therapy Practice Test & Exam Prep | Canada

How does diabetic neuropathy influence massage safety?

Increase pressure to stimulate circulation. Loss of sensation increases injury risk; inspect skin, use lighter pressure, avoid hot therapy on numb areas. Ignore numb areas and continue. Only apply heat therapy on numb areas.

Correct Answer:

Ignore numb areas and continue.

Explanation:

Diabetic neuropathy reduces sensation, especially in the feet and hands, so safety during massage means protecting numb areas from injury. Because numb skin can’t reliably signal pain or heat, you must inspect the skin before and during sessions, use lighter pressure and gentler techniques, and avoid applying heat to areas with reduced sensation. If you notice any redness, warmth, or skin breakdown, stop and reassess. The goal is to prevent injuries or burns that the client may not feel. Increasing pressure to stimulate circulation risks tissue damage in numb skin; ignoring numb areas and continuing is dangerous; applying heat only to numb areas can cause burns.

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