What effect does continuous application of electrical stimulation have on edema?

The continuous application of electrical stimulation primarily reduces edema. This therapeutic technique promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps to decrease the excess fluid accumulation that characterizes edema. By enhancing blood flow, electrical stimulation facilitates the removal of metabolic waste products and reduces vascular permeability, thereby alleviating the swelling. This makes it a valuable treatment modality in rehabilitative settings, particularly for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries where swelling is a concern.

In contrast, the other choices suggest negative or neutral outcomes. For example, the suggestion that electrical stimulation increases edema contradicts the established therapeutic benefits of improved circulation. Similarly, stating that it has no effect overlooks the documented physiological responses associated with electrical stimulation in tissues. Lastly, the claim that it causes inflammation is misleading, as inflammation is typically a response to injury or infection, while appropriate use of electrical stimulation aims to mitigate inflammatory responses and support healing.