What is a possible adverse effect of applying excessive heat?

Applying excessive heat can lead to detrimental consequences, with one of the most significant being bleeding. When extreme heat is applied to tissues, it can cause vasodilation, resulting in an increased blood flow. While controlled heat can be beneficial, excessive heating may disrupt the integrity of blood vessels, leading to increased permeability and potential rupture. This can result in localized bleeding or bruising, which can exacerbate injury rather than promote healing.

On the other hand, increased muscle flexibility, improved tissue healing, and reduced pain sensation are generally noted as benefits of the appropriate application of heat for therapeutic purposes. However, when the safety threshold is exceeded, these positive effects may be overshadowed by the risks associated with excessive heat, such as the aforementioned bleeding.