Contrast bathing is an excellent at home treatment. Everyone can receive the benefits of this treatment in as little as 5 mins after set up. The idea behind contrast bathing is to submerge a part of the body in warm to hot water (to personal tolerance) then transfer said body part to cool to cold water (again personal tolerance) then repeat the process 3-4 times. This hot and cold variation opens the blood vessels then compresses them this creates a “pump” that will help move circulation and open up tissues that may have been restricted. One of the best things about this treatment is you are using your body’s own physiology to help it heal.
Do you have an injury or need help recovering from exercise?
Follow our instructions for Contrast Bathing Therapy to perform the procedure in your own home.
SET-UP
- 1 tub of cold water (kitchen sink works well)
- 1 tub of hot water (kitchen sink works well)
- Towel to dry off afterwards
- Clock or watch to keep time.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Start with warm water and submerge an area of body in water wait 1 min. After 1 min, remove yourself from warm water and submerge in cold water for 30 sec. Repeat this process 3 or 4 times.
Note: This treatment moves a great deal of circulation if an individual has a blood clotting issue it would be advisable to discuss this with a doctor first.
This treatment can be done over the whole body however again it can move great quantities of blood and will change your blood pressure if a large area is subjected to the treatment (whole body).
Lastly, this treatment can be intensified by having a greater difference in temperatures theoretically you could you very hot water and ice water however it would be recommended to work within your personal tolerance.
