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Contrast Bathing Information

The main area of use for Contrast Bathing is where swelling is controlled but remains constant despite therapeutic attempts at reduction.

 A contrast bath may be used, several times a day, to provide a treatment that causes alternating periods of blood vessel dilation and constriction at and near the injury site. A contrast bath should be used only at the stage when both bleeding and swelling have been controlled, usually no sooner than 72 hours (3days) after the injury has occurred. Its aim is to reduce the amount of swelling and to complement the healing process and other therapeutic modalities being used.

 For contrast bathing you will need two large plastic containers, some towels. Each container should be filled to a level that will allow the affected part to be totally immersed.

 Fill one of the containers with hot water at about 104°F.

 Fill the second with ice-cold water and add ice to lower the temperature to about 55°F - 65°F.

 The treatment consists of alternatively immersing the affected part in one container and then the other according to the table below.

 E.g. On the first day of treatment with this type of therapy, place the affected part in the cold water for 4 minutes, then immediately move it into the warm water for 1 minute before putting it back into the cold for a further 4 minutes. This sequence is continued until a period of about 20 minutes has elapsed. The treatment is terminated with a final immersion in either hot or cold depending the chart below.

There are a number of contra-indications to Contrast Bathing. Ensure that none of these apply to you before commencing the treatment. If in doubt ask!