Contrast Bath in Physiotherapy SRS

Contrast Bath in Physiotherapy

1. Contrast Bath

2. Introduction Contrast bath therapy is a method of application which involves soaking the area to be treated in alternating baths of hot and cold water. Contrast baths combine alternating hot and cold water applications to increase blood flow and to decrease joint stiffness

3. Physiological mechanism contrast therapy produces a cycle of local vasoconstriction and vasodilation resulting in a “pumping effect” to facilitate the removal of oedema by venous and lymphatic removal. Believed to alleviate pain, stiffness, and edema by induced vasodilatation and vasoconstriction that is usually produced by normally contracting muscles.

4. Equipment Needed Two containers large enough to accommodate area to be treated one container is filled with cold water of 10° to 18° C (50° to 56° F) and another one is filled with hot water 38° to 44° C (100° to 110° F). Two test tubes for hot & cold discrimination test prior to treatment

5. Procedure Always begin with the warm water and end with the warm water . Place part in the warm water for 10 minutes move the part around through the full, pain-free range of motion. Remove and place immediately in cold water for 1 minute. There will be an initial short period of tingling until the part becomes accustomed to the cold. Continue alternating parts in hot water for 4 minutes and cold water for 1 minute

6. Procedure In Summary, soak in Warm water for 10 Minutes Cold water for 1 Minute Warm water for 4 Minutes Cold water for 1 Minute Warm water for 4 Minutes Cold water for 1 Minute Warm water for 4 Minutes Total time: 25 Minutes

7. Contraindications Poor Circulation Heart Disease High Blood Pressure (Uncontrolled) Lack of Skin Sensation Open Wounds

8. References Stanton DB,Lehman JB,Graziano M,Ryan C. Contrast Baths:What Do We Know about Their Use?. JOURNAL OF HAND THERAPY. 2003: 343 - 346 Contrast Baths. UHL Physiotherapy Dept. March 2004: 1-2 Contrast Baths. The Ohio State University Medical Center. 2010. Lucy Beveridge. Contrast Bathing, Occupational Therapy, Patient Information Leaflet. The Dudley Group. 2013 Carol Fawkes, Elena Ward. Contrast bathing – a snapshot summary report. NCOR Research Development. 2012: 1 - 8 X07823 (3/12). Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Services. Approved for distribution by Spectrum Health Patient Education Council ©2012 Spectrum Health Home Instructions for Contrast Bath. Cincinati Children's. ©1987, ArthritisFoundation Clair Allam. Occupational Therapy Contrast bath instructions. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 2015: 1-2

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