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HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 115 MC

A rugby player strained his calf muscle five days ago. The swelling has gone down and he is about to begin stretching exercises.

Which use of heat or cold is most appropriate before he stretches?

  1. Ice, to reduce pain so he can stretch further
  2. Ice, to prevent swelling from returning during exercise
  3. Heat, to reduce inflammation in the damaged muscle
  4. Heat, to increase blood flow and muscle elasticity
Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct: Once the initial swelling has subsided, heat increases blood flow to the healing tissue and improves muscle elasticity. This allows a greater range of movement during stretching with less risk of re-injury.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Numbing the area with ice could mask pain that warns the player he is overstretching. Cold also reduces muscle elasticity.
  • B is incorrect: Cold is used in the first 48–72 hours to control swelling. The swelling has already gone down, and cold before stretching reduces muscle elasticity.
  • C is incorrect: Heat increases blood flow. Reducing inflammation is the role of cold therapy, not heat.