Contrast Bath

Hot: 38-41°C Cold: 10-15°C (Hot: 100-106°F Cold: 50-60°F)

Materials needed

Two containers or buckets (deep enough)
Washcloth for head, drying towels
Pitcher to add hot water.
Extra ice.
Thermometer/timer

Indications

Contraindications

Severe atherosclerosis
Peripheral artery disease
Severe Neuropathy
Uncontrolled hypertension
Impaired skin sensation
Tendency to bleed
Malignancies
Active infection
Heat/cold intolerance
Raynaud’s disease
Lymphedema

Special Considerations

In diabetes, max temp of 40ºC and also avoid very cold water.
Use extreme caution if there is a loss of skin sensation as in diabetes.
Extreme caution in varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, or any cardiovascular disease

Procedure

Fill one container with hot, and one with cold water.
Begin in hot water for 3-4 minutes.
Place a cold cloth on the head and change often.
Submerge completely.
Shift to cold for 30-60 sec.
Increase temp. each time.
Decrease temp. each time.
Repeat cycle 3-5 times.
End with cold.
Dry well and keep warm.
Rest at least 30 minutes.