What does electrotherapy increase?

• A. Pain
• B. Scar tissue
• C. Blood flow
• D. Joint stiffness

Answer: (C)

Electrotherapy increases blood flow to the treated area. Electrical stimulation can cause muscle contractions (as with NMES), creating a pumping action that moves blood and lymph through the tissue. It can also promote local vasodilation and higher metabolic activity, which together boost tissue perfusion. This enhanced circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to healing tissue and helps remove waste products and edema. While pain relief or improved movement can accompany electrotherapy, the direct, primary effect is increased blood flow; scar tissue isn’t increased by this modality and is not the intended outcome.