Which of the following is NOT a preparatory use of thermotherapy?

• A. Increase extensibility of soft tissues
• B. Decrease spasms and pain
• C. Increase metabolism
• D. Decrease blood flow

Answer: (D)

Thermotherapy heats the tissues, raising temperature to promote changes that prepare the body for movement. These changes include making soft tissues more extensible, reducing muscle tone and pain, and increasing local metabolism—all of which help tissue tolerate stretching and exercise better. Heating also causes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to bring nutrients and remove waste, supporting a ready-to-work state. Decreasing blood flow is not produced by heat; cooling or other methods would be needed for that effect, so it doesn’t align with the preparatory goals of thermotherapy.