Decreased injury theory states what?

• A. Cryotherapy has little effect on hemorrhaging; it limits secondary injury and edema
• B. Cryotherapy increases hemorrhaging
• C. Cryotherapy causes more edema but reduces pain
• D. Cryotherapy accelerates tissue repair

Answer: (A)

Decreased injury theory focuses on limiting the cascade of secondary injury after the initial tissue damage by applying cryotherapy. Cold slows cellular metabolism, reduces vascular dilation, and dampens the inflammatory response, which helps limit edema and further tissue damage that can worsen the injury if unchecked. The primary hemorrhage comes from the initial injury itself, so cold therapy doesn’t dramatically change that bleeding, which is why it’s described as having little effect on hemorrhaging. By constricting vessels and lowering metabolic demand, cryotherapy helps control edema and secondary injury, making this option the best fit.