Which preparatory method would be used to increase tissue extensibility before engaging in therapy for a hand with decreased digital ROM and minimal edema?

Which preparatory method would be used to increase tissue extensibility before engaging in therapy for a hand with decreased digital ROM and minimal edema?

• A. Paraffin dip to the hand and digits
• B. Pneumatic pump application to the hand and digits
• C. Whirlpool application to the hand and digits
• D. Cold pack application to the hand and digits

Answer: (A)

The main idea is using heat to make soft tissues more pliable so ROM work can be performed more effectively. Warmth increases tissue temp, reduces viscosity of the collagen, and improves elasticity, which helps the fingers move more freely during therapy. Paraffin dip is especially suitable for the hand because it provides focused, uniform heating to the digits and small joints, raising tissue extensibility just before active or passive ROM and stretching. With minimal edema, the goal isn’t to push fluid out but to soften tissues for better motion, and paraffin delivers controlled heat without relying on edema reduction. The other options don’t target tissue extensibility in the same way: a pneumatic pump focuses on edema management rather than warming tissues; a whirlpool also heats but is less precise for small hand joints and can be less convenient to set up for targeted digits; a cold pack would cool tissues and reduce extensibility, which is the opposite of what’s needed before therapy.

The main idea is using heat to make soft tissues more pliable so ROM work can be performed more effectively. Warmth increases tissue temp, reduces viscosity of the collagen, and improves elasticity, which helps the fingers move more freely during therapy. Paraffin dip is especially suitable for the hand because it provides focused, uniform heating to the digits and small joints, raising tissue extensibility just before active or passive ROM and stretching.

With minimal edema, the goal isn’t to push fluid out but to soften tissues for better motion, and paraffin delivers controlled heat without relying on edema reduction. The other options don’t target tissue extensibility in the same way: a pneumatic pump focuses on edema management rather than warming tissues; a whirlpool also heats but is less precise for small hand joints and can be less convenient to set up for targeted digits; a cold pack would cool tissues and reduce extensibility, which is the opposite of what’s needed before therapy.