Which statement about moist heat applications is incorrect?

The statement regarding moist heat applications being associated with higher temperatures than dry heat applications is not accurate. Moist heat applications typically operate at lower temperatures compared to dry heat applications while still providing effective thermal therapy. The effectiveness of moist heat does not rely on higher temperatures; instead, it is due to the ability of water to transfer heat more efficiently and penetrate the tissues to a greater depth.

In terms of how moisture affects the application of heat, the heat energy in moist heat can be transferred more effectively to the underlying tissues because water is a good conductor of heat. This leads to faster therapeutic effects and deeper penetration, which are characteristic advantages over dry heat. Thus, while moisture enhances heat transfer, it does not require higher temperatures to be effective.

The other statements are true: water does indeed come into direct contact with the skin, moist heat typically produces quicker results than dry heat, and it is generally acknowledged that moist heat penetrates tissues more deeply than dry heat due to its ability to retain moisture.