Cryotherapy's mechanism on tissue is best described as?

Cryotherapy's mechanism on tissue is best described as?

• A. Increases metabolic rate.
• B. Causes blood vessels to constrict and skin muscles to contract.
• C. Promotes vasodilation.
• D. Heats tissues to promote healing.

Answer: (B)

Cryotherapy works by lowering tissue temperature, which causes vasoconstriction—the blood vessels narrow to reduce blood flow to the treated area. This helps limit edema and inflammation and lowers metabolic demand in the tissue. The cold can also trigger a reflex contraction or tightening of nearby skin muscles, contributing to the sensation of stiffness. Because cooling does not raise metabolic rate, promote vasodilation, or heat tissues, the description focusing on reduced blood flow from vasoconstriction (and the associated mild muscle tightening) best captures the mechanism.

Cryotherapy works by lowering tissue temperature, which causes vasoconstriction—the blood vessels narrow to reduce blood flow to the treated area. This helps limit edema and inflammation and lowers metabolic demand in the tissue. The cold can also trigger a reflex contraction or tightening of nearby skin muscles, contributing to the sensation of stiffness. Because cooling does not raise metabolic rate, promote vasodilation, or heat tissues, the description focusing on reduced blood flow from vasoconstriction (and the associated mild muscle tightening) best captures the mechanism.