College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

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What effect does cold application have on an acute injury?

  1. Increases blood flow

  2. Enhances immune response

  3. Controls pain and decreases blood flow

  4. Inflates tissue pressure

The correct answer is: Controls pain and decreases blood flow

Cold application is commonly utilized in managing acute injuries because it effectively controls pain and decreases blood flow, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area. When cold is applied, it causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, leading to a reduction in blood flow. This adaptive response is significant in the initial phase of healing following an injury because it limits the amount of inflammatory substances that accumulate in the tissue, which can minimize pain and tissue damage. The numbing effect of cold can also provide immediate pain relief, making it a valuable first aid strategy for acute injuries. While enhancing immune response may happen later in the healing process, it is not an immediate effect of cold application. Similarly, inflating tissue pressure would not contribute to the therapeutic goals for acute injury management and could potentially exacerbate discomfort.