Thermotherapy can be used for subacute muscle strain. Is this statement true or false?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in acute
• D. Only in chronic

Answer: (A)

Thermotherapy raises tissue temperature to promote blood flow, metabolic activity, and tissue extensibility. In the subacute phase of a muscle strain, inflammation has started to subside but healing is ongoing. Applying heat at this stage helps deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the injured tissue, reduces stiffness, and makes gentle stretching and ROM work more tolerable, which supports continued healing. Therefore the statement is true. In contrast, heat is typically avoided in the acute phase because it can worsen swelling, and while heat can be used in chronic conditions, the subacute window is also a valid time for thermotherapy.