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

Which of the following conditions is indicated by AROM being strong and painful?

1. Rupture of a muscle or nerve integrity issue

2. Local contractile or tendon lesion

3. Severe lesion around a joint

4. Normal muscle function

The correct answer is: Local contractile or tendon lesion

In this scenario, when AROM (Active Range of Motion) is strong but painful, it suggests that the mechanisms of movement are intact, meaning the muscle and its innervation are functioning properly but that there is some level of damage or injury present, specifically to the local contractile structures or tendon itself. A strong AROM indicates that the muscle can produce force effectively. However, the presence of pain suggests that there is some underlying issue causing discomfort during movement, which is typical of a localized injury such as a tendonitis or a strain. This contrasts with conditions like a severe lesion around a joint or a rupture, where you would expect significant dysfunction or weakness during AROM rather than maintained strength. In the case of normal muscle function, you would expect not only strength but also a lack of pain during AROM, making it clear that the presence of pain is a key factor distinguishing this local contractile or tendon lesion from other pathological conditions.