Which of the following is an indication related to healing for superficial heat therapy?

• A. Increased ROM
• B. Fever
• C. Wound healing
• D. Decreased circulation

Answer: (C)

Wound healing is an indication for superficial heat therapy because increasing tissue temperature promotes vasodilation and greater local blood flow. This boost brings more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area and helps remove waste products, supporting the repair processes that occur during the subacute to chronic phases of healing. Heat also raises metabolic activity and can reduce muscle guarding, making rehab exercises more effective and comfortable. Fever is not an indication; it signals infection or systemic inflammation, so heat would not be used to induce fever. While improved ROM can result from heating by increasing tissue extensibility, the direct healing-related indication here is to support wound healing.