Which of the following is an example of thermotherapy?

Thermotherapy refers to the use of heat as a therapeutic modality to promote healing, reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow, and alleviate pain. The correct answer, which is the paraffin wax bath, is an effective form of thermotherapy because it utilizes heat contained within the wax to provide therapeutic warmth to the affected areas. This method is particularly beneficial for the hands and feet, where the heated wax can penetrate deeply and enhance circulation, helping with conditions such as arthritis and muscle stiffness.

In contrast, ice immersion and cold whirlpool are modalities that use cold temperatures, making them examples of cryotherapy, which is used primarily for reducing inflammation and numbing pain. Electrotherapy includes modalities that apply electric currents to stimulate nerves and muscles and is not categorized as thermotherapy, as it does not primarily focus on heat application. These distinctions clarify why the paraffin wax bath is the example that fits under the umbrella of thermotherapy.