CONTRAST BATH THERAPY

WHAT IS CONTRAST BATH THERAPY

Contrast bath is defined as the therapeutic alternative procedure or technique of applying both heat and cold alternatively by immersion of the body part in hot and cold water in alternative way with certain amount of control to help the body temperature mechanism to be maintained.

this alternative method of treatment is very important for improving circulation in injured tissues.

METHOD OF APPLICATION OF CONTRAST BATH THERAPY

Fill the two baths of appropriate size depending on the body part (limb) to be treated, one bath fill with hot water at 40°C to 45°C and the other bath with cold water at 15°C. then the treatment should begin in cold water and end in hot water but some therapist prefer to start with hot water and end in cold water. immerse the limb in hot water for 3 minutes and after 3 minutes immediately and alternatively remove the limb from hot water and immerse the limb in cold water for 1 minute. repeat the cycle up to 3 times and maintain the hot and cold water at constant temperature. the whole treatment procedure should not take more than 15 minutes and it is very important to maintain the hot and cold water temperature throughout the treatment time. 

and also this contrast treatment method can be used by the patient at home which involves alternating application of ice packs and heat packs and the patient should instructed to apply ice for 5 minutes and also hot for 5 minutes which should be repeated two times making the total treatment time of 20 minutes.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CONTRAST BATH THERAPY

  • Vasodilation immediately occurs as the skin temperature increases rapidly. 
  • Due to increase of deeper circulation reflex reaction occur 
  • It gives sedative effect

INDICATIONS OF CONTRAST BATH THERAPY

(1) Post traumatic swelling 

(2) Pain due to swelling 

(3) Chronic inflammation

(4) Arthritis of peripheral joints

(5) Musculotendinous strains 

(6) Joint sprains 

CONTRAINDICATION OF CONTRAST BATH THERAPY

(1) Buerger's disease

(2) Diabetes

(3) Arterial insufficiency

(4) Advanced peripheral vascular disease.



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