What are the common methods used to apply superficial therapeutic heat?

The correct choice identifies commonly used methods for applying superficial therapeutic heat, which is essential in promoting relaxation, increasing blood flow, and alleviating pain in affected areas. Hot packs, heat wraps, and warm whirlpools are all effective applications for delivering heat.

Hot packs deliver moist or dry heat to the skin, allowing for penetration into the underlying tissues. They are easy to use and can provide significant relief to sore muscles and joints. Heat wraps are designed to conform to the body and can provide continuous heat over an extended period, ideal for managing chronic pain. Warm whirlpools, on the other hand, combine the benefits of heat and the therapeutic effects of water, providing buoyancy and relaxation, making them effective for treating various musculoskeletal conditions.

The other choices contain methods that either utilize cold therapy or do not align with the concept of superficial therapeutic heat. This is why the selected answer correctly reflects the most accurate methods for applying heat in a therapeutic context.