Which of the following is a true statement about thermotherapy effects?

• A. Increases body temperature
• B. Decreases muscle contraction velocity
• C. Decreases metabolic rate
• D. Decreases blood flow

Answer: (A)

Thermotherapy raises the temperature of the treated tissue. This localized heat causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the area, which brings more oxygen and nutrients and helps remove waste products. The higher temperature also boosts cellular metabolic activity, supporting healing, and makes collagen-containing tissues more extensible, which can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Nerve conduction can be faster with warmer tissue, contributing to analgesic effects. Because of these effects, saying that thermotherapy increases tissue (local) temperature is the true statement. The other options conflict with the usual responses: heat does not decrease metabolic rate or blood flow, and it does not typically decrease muscle contraction velocity.