Clinical science · 4 min
Left hemiplegia is the body, not the brain
Hemiplegia names the weak side you can see. A left-body weakness is typically a right-hemisphere story. Do not write 'left side stroke' on the stem.
This one is a one-trick item and people still miss it. Left hemiplegia means the left body is weak. The stroke that usually produces that lives in the right hemisphere. If a tip says 'left side stroke,' throw the tip out.
Words the exam uses vs words students invent
A left-brain lesion as a sure thing
Automatically a right-brain lesion
The side you pound because it is 'healthy'
Protect the weak side, do not be a hero
Deep work on flaccid tissue because a blog said so
On the table, you still have to think about tone, subluxation, and whether the person can consent and reposition. The exam item is often just checking whether you mixed up body and brain.
Name the body side the client cannot use. The lesion is usually the other hemisphere.
Keep reading
Contraindications the stem is begging you to see
Clinical science · 6 min
Treatment planning is 37 questions of “what would you do”
Clinical science · 6 min
Draping, consent, and the ethics items people call obvious
Law and licensure · 5 min
© 2026 NYSMassageExam.com. Not affiliated with the New York State Education Department.
MBLEx is a registered trademark of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FSMTB.