Thermotherapy is appropriate for which subacute injury?

• A. Subacute contusion
• B. Acute fracture
• C. Severe infection
• D. Acute muscle tear

Answer: (D)

In the subacute phase, thermotherapy is useful because it raises local tissue temperature to boost blood flow, relax muscles, and improve tissue extensibility, helping pain relief and range of motion as healing progresses. A subacute contusion fits this window well: once the acute inflammatory surge has diminished, heat can help loosen surrounding muscle and fascia, reduce guarding, and promote gradual return to normal function.

Heat is not typically used in the acute stage for fractures or severe infections, since increasing blood flow and metabolism can worsen swelling or spread infection. An acute muscle tear is also in the early inflammatory stage where heat could increase bleeding and edema rather than aid healing.