Which modality is used to decrease tissue temperature?

• A. Cryotherapy
• B. Thermotherapy
• C. NMES
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (A)

Lowering tissue temperature is achieved with cryotherapy, a modality that applies cold to the area to remove heat from the tissues. The cold causes vasoconstriction, reduces metabolic rate, slows nerve conduction velocity, and elevates the pain threshold. These effects help limit inflammation, decrease edema, and reduce muscle spasm after acute injury or strenuous activity. Common forms include ice packs, cold packs, cold water immersion, and specialized cold therapy devices. In contrast, thermotherapy heats tissue to increase blood flow and tissue extensibility; NMES uses electrical stimulation to produce muscle contractions rather than altering temperature; ultrasound can heat tissue (in thermal mode) or provide nonthermal effects, but is not used to decrease tissue temperature.