National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Wheals that appear after cryotherapy indicate an allergic response, which is triggered by the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells in the skin following exposure to the cold. The skin's reaction can include localized swelling, redness, and heat, all of which are characteristic of an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction.

In the context of cryotherapy, this response can manifest as wheals or hives due to the sudden change in temperature and the body’s attempt to adapt to this change. This physiological response is consistent with how the body reacts to perceived allergens, leading to vasodilation and increased vascular permeability in the affected area, resulting in the visible wheals.

Understanding this response is critical for clinicians since it helps differentiate between a normal reaction to the cold and one that may indicate a hypersensitivity issue, which would require further evaluation and management.