Which of the following is a therapeutic effect of superficial thermotherapy?

Which of the following is a therapeutic effect of superficial thermotherapy?

• A. Decreased blood flow to treatment area
• B. Decreased muscle spasm
• C. Increased collagen extensibility
• D. Increased nerve conduction velocity

Answer: (C)

Raising tissue temperature with superficial thermotherapy increases the elasticity of collagen in connective tissue, allowing greater stretch. This direct change in collagen extensibility is what improves range of motion and reduces stiffness, making it the most clearly labeled therapeutic effect. While heat also promotes vasodilation, increases blood flow, and can help reduce muscle spasm, the key effect most closely tied to ROM gains is the increased collagen extensibility. Always monitor to prevent overheating and burns.

Raising tissue temperature with superficial thermotherapy increases the elasticity of collagen in connective tissue, allowing greater stretch. This direct change in collagen extensibility is what improves range of motion and reduces stiffness, making it the most clearly labeled therapeutic effect. While heat also promotes vasodilation, increases blood flow, and can help reduce muscle spasm, the key effect most closely tied to ROM gains is the increased collagen extensibility. Always monitor to prevent overheating and burns.