For a client with decreased digital range of motion and minimal subacute edema, which preparatory method before therapy is BEST?

• A. Pneumatic pump application to the hand and digits
• B. Mild, superficial heating application to the hand and digits
• C. Mild cold pack application to the hand and digits
• D. Mild, superficial heating application to the hand and digits

Answer: (B)

Heating the tissues slightly before therapy raises skin and superficial tissue temperatures, which increases collagen extensibility and decreases stiffness. This makes ROM and stretching easier and more comfortable, helping to prepare the hand for active or passive therapy. In a subacute stage with only minimal edema, mild superficial heating improves tissue pliability without significantly increasing swelling. A pneumatic pump mainly targets edema reduction and doesn’t directly enhance tissue extensibility for ROM. Cold would tend to stiffen tissues and reduce ROM, making it less helpful as a preparatory step. So, mild superficial heating to the hand and digits best supports the goal of optimizing ROM before therapy.