CONTRAST BATH AND ITS USES |FINDYOURSELF

September 01, 2019 1 Comments

CONTRAST BATH

It is alternate method of applying heat with certain amount of cold to aid the normal body temperature regulating mechanism.
There is alternate immersion of limb to hot and cold water.

USES

Activates sensory stimulation due to activation of hot and cold receptors.
Helps in reducing local edema by alternate vasoconstriction and vasodilatation.
It increase blood circulation.
Helps to modulate pain.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Selection of two containers of equal size depend upon the limb to be immersed.
Fill one container with hot water of temperature 40-45 degree Celsius and other with cold water of temperature 15 degree
Celsius
Undress the limb to be treated check for the contraindication in any and check cold and hot sensation.
If treatment is for pain then start and end with hot water and if it is for edema then start and end with cold water.
Place the limb in hot water for 3-4 minutes and immediate immersion in cold water for 1 minute.
Repeat the cycle for 3-4 minutes so that treatment time remain within 15-25 minutes.
There should be constant temperature of hot and cold water during the treatment.

INDICATIONS

Post traumatic swelling
Pain due to swelling
Osteoarthritis
Congestive headache
Infections
Poor circulation
Indolent ulcers
Chronic inflammation

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Diabetes mellitus
Arterial insufficiency
Advanced peripheral vascular disease
Hemorrhage
Impaired circulation
Skin anesthesia
Acute injury