Which of the following is an indication for superficial thermotherapy?

• A. Muscle spasm
• B. Acute infection
• C. Tendon rupture
• D. Fracture

Answer: (A)

Superficial heat relaxes tight muscle tissue and increases local blood flow, which helps reduce muscle guarding and pain. When a muscle is in spasm, this relaxation allows the muscle to loosen, improves comfort, and can make it easier to move and stretch. That’s why muscle spasm is the appropriate indication for superficial thermotherapy.

Acute infection isn’t helped by heat; it’s a contraindication because warmth can raise metabolic activity and circulation into an infected area, potentially worsening the infection. Tendon rupture and fracture are structural injuries where heat won’t repair the tissue and can delay appropriate treatment or healing, so they aren’t indications for superficial thermotherapy.