Which statement is an indication for thermotherapy?

• A. Acute bleeding.
• B. Subacute/chronic inflammation.
• C. Open wound.
• D. Fever.

Answer: (B)

Thermotherapy is best used when inflammation is not in the initial acute phase, specifically in subacute or chronic inflammation. Heat raises tissue temperature to promote blood flow, relaxes muscles, and improves tissue extensibility, which helps reduce stiffness and pain as healing progresses. It’s not appropriate during the acute stage of injury when bleeding and edema are present, because increasing circulation can worsen swelling. It’s also avoided over open wounds due to infection risk and slower healing, and in the presence of fever since fever reflects systemic illness where adding heat could worsen symptoms. So, the statement that fits thermotherapy indications is subacute/chronic inflammation.