Contrast bath SRS

Hot and Cold Immersion / Contrast Bath

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

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. Indications Infections, sprains, strains, bruises and arthritis are some of the more common conditions that are greatly benefitted by this bath. Contrast baths are used to treat the hands, wrists, feet and ankles and can also be used for the elbows and knees if the container is large enough.

8. Contraindications Pregnancy (first trimester) Undressed or infected wounds Pacemaker Metastasis Fever Acute inflammation Acute hemorrhage Peripheral vascular disease Lack of sensation

9. Precautions Open wounds Pregnancy Old age Menstruation Impaired Sensation Previous experience with the physical agent

10. Links to YouTube Demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VClc3R1swns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmY4gIozVa0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyf3g_byG1o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwM2LrN1L5w

11. 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 Regal C. OSTEOARTHRITIS: Heat Therapy vs. Cold Therapy for Aching Joints [Internet]. Healthcentral.com. HealthCentral ; 2011 [cited 2020 Apr 19]. Available from: https://www.healthcentral.com/article/vitamin-d-and-osteoarthritis . Fawkes C, Ward E. Contrast  bathing  –  a  snapshot  summary  report [Internet]. Googleusercontent.com. 2012 [cited 2020 Apr 19]. Available from: http://tiny.cc/petbnz Home Instructions for Contrast Bath [Internet]. Googleusercontent.com. 2020 [cited 2020 Apr 19]. Available from: ‌ http://tiny.cc/oftbnz Unit 7 Injury and the healing process [Internet]. Googleusercontent.com. Exercise Science and Sports Medicine; 2020 [cited 2020 Apr 19]. Available from: http://tiny.cc/0htbnz Behrens BJ. Therapeutic Heat and Cold. In: Physical agents theory and practice laboratory manual. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis; 2006. p. 19–48.

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