Which of the following is a type of superficial heat?

• A. Ultrasound
• B. Cryotherapy
• C. Electrical stimulation
• D. Hot packs, paraffin wax, and fluidotherapy

Answer: (D)

Superficial heat is about warming the skin and the tissues just beneath it by heat transfer from a surface source. Hot packs, paraffin wax, and fluidotherapy sit on or near the surface and transfer warmth through conduction or convection to the superficial layers, making them classic examples of superficial heat therapy. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to heat tissues and can affect deeper layers depending on the setting, so it’s categorized as a different type of thermal modality rather than superficial heat. Cryotherapy provides cold, and electrical stimulation isn’t primarily used for heating. So the surface-warming group is hot packs, paraffin wax, and fluidotherapy.