A treatment approach that uses sustained isotonic contractions of muscles around the injured area to immobilize and protect it is known as

• A. Pain relief
• B. Muscle guarding
• C. ROM improvement
• D. Tissue heating

Answer: (B)

Muscle guarding is the body's protective response after an injury, where the muscles around the injured site maintain a sustained contraction to immobilize and protect the tissues. This reflexive tightening acts like an internal splint, limiting movement to reduce stress on the damaged structures and help pain control. While this can aid protection and healing, it may also limit range of motion if it becomes excessive. The other options describe modalities or goals (pain relief, improving ROM, applying heat) that don’t capture the idea of the surrounding muscles actively contracting to stabilize the area.