What modalities are used in the inflammatory phase?

• A. Cryotherapy.
• B. Cryotherapy and electrical stimulation.
• C. Thermotherapy only.
• D. Massage therapy.

Answer: (B)

In the inflammatory phase, the goal is to limit secondary tissue damage, control pain, and reduce swelling. Cryotherapy fits this phase well because cooling lowers tissue temperature, reduces metabolic demand, causes vasoconstriction, and dampens nerve conduction, which helps lessen pain and edema. Adding electrical stimulation supports acute-stage goals by aiding edema management and providing pain relief—e-stim can promote muscle contractions to help pump fluid out of the injured area and offer analgesia through nerve modulation. Using both together gives direct cooling benefits plus mechanisms to control swelling and pain without introducing heat. Thermotherapy would tend to worsen inflammation by increasing blood flow and swelling, and massage is typically avoided in the acute stage due to tissue fragility and the risk of aggravating inflammation.