Which condition is listed as a thermotherapy contraindication?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Seasonal allergies
• C. Rheumatoid arthritis
• D. Common cold

Answer: (C)

Thermotherapy raises tissue temperature to increase blood flow and metabolic activity, helping to reduce stiffness and pain. But it should not be used when inflammation is active or infection is present. In rheumatoid arthritis, joints can be acutely inflamed during a flare, with synovitis and swelling; applying heat at that time can worsen inflammation and edema, increasing pain and tissue damage. That’s why rheumatoid arthritis in its active state is listed as a thermotherapy contraindication. Outside of an active flare, heat may help with chronic stiffness. Hypertension isn’t an absolute contraindication and would require clinical judgment, while seasonal allergies or a common cold aren’t direct thermotherapy contraindications unless fever or systemic infection is present.