Thermal diathermy applied to inflamed tissue is associated with which change?

Thermal diathermy applied to inflamed tissue is associated with which change?

• A. Increase cellular metabolism
• B. Decrease cellular metabolism
• C. No change in metabolism
• D. Decrease tissue perfusion

Answer: (A)

Thermal diathermy raises tissue temperature, and as temperature climbs, enzymatic reactions accelerate and cells demand more energy. That speed-up in chemical processes leads to an increase in cellular metabolism. In inflamed tissue, this higher metabolic activity is supported by vasodilation and increased blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to meet the greater demand. So the change most closely associated with applying thermal diathermy to inflamed tissue is an increase in cellular metabolism.

Thermal diathermy raises tissue temperature, and as temperature climbs, enzymatic reactions accelerate and cells demand more energy. That speed-up in chemical processes leads to an increase in cellular metabolism. In inflamed tissue, this higher metabolic activity is supported by vasodilation and increased blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to meet the greater demand. So the change most closely associated with applying thermal diathermy to inflamed tissue is an increase in cellular metabolism.