According to the gate-control theory, what is the result of rubbing an injured area?

Rubbing an injured area aligns with the gate-control theory, as this theory suggests that non-painful input (like rubbing or massaging an injury) can close the "gate" to painful input, effectively reducing the perception of pain. This means that the brain prioritizes the non-painful signals received from the skin over the painful ones. The act of rubbing stimulates larger nerve fibers that can override the smaller fibers transmitting pain signals to the brain, contributing to pain relief. This mechanism explains why many individuals find immediate relief from discomfort through gentle manual manipulation of an injured area.

The other options do not accurately describe the effect. Enhancing swelling would imply worsening the injury rather than providing relief, while ignoring pain oversimplifies the complex interactions involved in pain perception. Amplifying sensation does not capture the pain-relieving effect that rubbing has as described by the gate-control theory.