Which modalities are common to both the inflammatory and repair phases?

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

Answer: (B)

The key idea is identifying modalities that help with swelling, pain, and tissue healing during both the inflammatory and the early repair stages. Cryotherapy (ice) is used to limit the inflammatory response, reduce edema, and numb pain in the acute phase, and it can still be helpful in the early repair period to control pain and swelling after activity. Electrical stimulation is employed in both phases to support muscle activation, improve circulation, and aid analgesia and tissue healing, helping prevent atrophy and promoting recovery as the tissue moves from inflammation toward repair.

Thermotherapy (heat) is typically avoided in the inflammatory stage because it can increase blood flow and swelling, and is more aligned with later repair/remodeling when tissues are ready for gentle heating. Massage therapy is beneficial during repair for tissue mobilization and relaxation but is not routinely used during the acute inflammatory phase when sensitivity and swelling are high. Therefore, the combination that fits both phases is cryotherapy and electrical stimulation.