Which outcome is associated with subacute edema when thermotherapy is used?

• A. Removal of subacute edema
• B. Worsening edema
• C. No change
• D. Increased swelling

Answer: (B)

Subacute edema involves ongoing fluid accumulation from inflammation. When thermotherapy is applied, heat causes vasodilation and increases capillary permeability. This raises hydrostatic pressure and promotes more fluid to leak into the interstitial space, temporarily enlarging the swelling. In this stage, the tissue is already prone to swelling, so adding heat tends to worsen edema rather than reduce it. That’s why the outcome associated with thermotherapy in subacute edema is an increase in swelling. In practice, cold therapy, elevation, and compression are typically used to help reduce edema during this phase, reserving heat for later when swelling has subsided or when mobility is limited due to stiffness.