Which modality among the seven tools is used for heating tissue?

• A. Thermotherapy
• B. Cryotherapy
• C. Immobilization
• D. Electrotherapy

Answer: (A)

Heating tissue through therapeutic means is accomplished with thermotherapy. By raising tissue temperature, thermotherapy promotes vasodilation and increased blood flow, which speeds metabolic processes and delivers nutrients needed for healing. Heat also makes tissues more pliable, improving collagen extensibility and joint or muscle range of motion, and it helps relieve pain by reducing muscle spasm and altering nerve conduction. Cryotherapy cools tissue to slow metabolism and inflammation, immobilization restricts movement and isn’t about heating, and electrotherapy focuses on electrical stimulation for pain relief or muscle activation rather than increasing tissue temperature.