Which effect is a typical outcome of thermotherapy on the skin?

Which effect is a typical outcome of thermotherapy on the skin?

• A. Cutaneous vasodilation
• B. Cutaneous vasoconstriction
• C. Decreased metabolism
• D. Decreased blood flow

Answer: (A)

Thermotherapy raises skin temperature, which triggers the vessels near the surface to dilate. This vasodilation increases cutaneous blood flow (hyperemia) to help dissipate the added heat. The increased perfusion brings more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and aids in waste removal, often reducing muscle stiffness and promoting relaxation. Since heat elevates tissue temperature, local metabolic activity tends to rise rather than fall. Therefore, the typical outcome is increased blood flow to the skin. Cutaneous vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow are responses to cold, not heat, and decreased metabolism would not fit the effect of thermotherapy.

Thermotherapy raises skin temperature, which triggers the vessels near the surface to dilate. This vasodilation increases cutaneous blood flow (hyperemia) to help dissipate the added heat. The increased perfusion brings more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and aids in waste removal, often reducing muscle stiffness and promoting relaxation. Since heat elevates tissue temperature, local metabolic activity tends to rise rather than fall. Therefore, the typical outcome is increased blood flow to the skin. Cutaneous vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow are responses to cold, not heat, and decreased metabolism would not fit the effect of thermotherapy.