What is the primary purpose of thermotherapy in rehabilitation?

• A. To decrease tissue temperature
• B. To raise tissue temperature, increasing blood flow, collagen extensibility, and joint mobility
• C. To deliver electrical stimulation
• D. To decrease pain directly

Answer: (B)

Raising tissue temperature is the primary purpose of thermotherapy in rehabilitation. Heating tissues causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow which brings more oxygen and nutrients to support healing and helps reduce muscle guarding. It also raises the temperature of collagen-rich structures, boosting their extensibility so connective tissues stretch more easily and joint mobility improves—especially when heating is combined with stretching or ROM exercises. Heat can contribute to pain relief by relaxing muscles and altering nerve conduction, but the main goal is to prepare tissues for movement and enhance elasticity, not direct pain numbness. This differs from methods that lower temperature, deliver electrical stimulation, or aim for immediate analgesia through other means.