College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which condition suggests AROM is weak and painful?

1. Muscle integrity intact

2. Severe lesion around the joint

3. Tendonitis

4. No lesions present

The correct answer is: Severe lesion around the joint

The correct choice indicates a severe lesion around the joint, suggesting that active range of motion (AROM) may be weak and painful. In cases where a significant lesion is present, the tissue surrounding the joint can be compromised, leading to pain upon movement and a reduction in strength. The presence of a severe lesion can cause inflammation, swelling, or mechanical obstruction, all of which can directly affect the ability to move the joint actively without pain. When considering other conditions, muscle integrity being intact would typically suggest that AROM could be performed without significant weakness or pain, as there are no structural issues impacting muscle function. Similarly, with no lesions present, one would expect normal AROM to occur, given that there are no impairments to the joint or surrounding structures. Tendonitis can lead to weakness and pain as well, but it usually presents with more consistent pain during movement rather than a significant loss of strength that would result from a severe lesion, which affects more extensive structures around the joint.