Which physical therapy modality is primarily used to heat muscles before activity?

Heat therapy is primarily used to warm up muscles before physical activity because it increases blood flow, enhances tissue elasticity, and prepares muscles for movement. The application of heat can reduce stiffness in muscles and joints, making them more pliable and capable of performing better during exercise or rehabilitation activities.

Utilizing heat therapy prior to engaging in physical activities can also help relax the muscles and decrease the sensation of tightness, thereby potentially reducing the risk of strains or injuries. This modality can include methods such as hot packs, heating pads, or warm baths, which are effective in achieving the desired heating effect on the affected areas.

In contrast, cold therapy is typically used after activity to reduce inflammation and pain, not before. Electrical stimulation can stimulate muscles but is not primarily focused on heating them for preparatory purposes. Ultrasound therapy, while it can promote tissue healing and pain relief through sound waves, does not specifically target the warming of muscles prior to activities in the same way that heat therapy does.