Contrast bath therapy

Contrast bath therapy

Contrast bath therapy, also known as "hot/cold immersion therapy",[1] is a form of treatment where a limb or the entire body is immersed in ice water followed by the immediate immersion of the limb or body in warm water.[2]. This procedure is repeated several times, alternating hot and cold.

Theory

The theory behind contrast bath therapy is that the warm water causes vasodilation of the blood flow in the limb or body followed by the cold water which causes vasoconstriction. The effect is increase the blood circulation and thus assist the healing process. A study ([3]) showed that fluctuations in intramuscular temperature were lower than those caused by a hot bath alone.

Other studies indicates that thermal stress seems to positively influence the immune system.[4][5]

Treatment

Contrast bathing can be used to reduce swelling around injuries or to aid recovery from exercise. It can also significantly improve muscle recovery following exercise by reducing the levels of blood lactate concentration (Contrast bathing - a brief summary of evidences)

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Ice bath — Champion weightlifter Karyn Marshall took an ice bath after an event in 2011. In sports therapy, an ice bath or sometimes a cold water immersion or cold therapy is a training regimen usually following a period of intense exercise[1] …   Wikipedia

  • Spa bath — Note that the term spa bath can also refer to a spa or hot tub. A spa bath basin of water having a temperature of up to 45 degrees Celsius (#expr: 45 *9/5+32 Fahrenheit), containing salts, herbal extracts or herbal oils, in which the hands, feet… …   Wikipedia

  • Water cure (therapy) — This article is about a form of therapy used in the 18th and 19th century. For the form of torture, see water cure (torture). A water cure in the therapeutic sense is a course of medical treatment by hydrotherapy.[1] Contents 1 Overview 2 …   Wikipedia

  • Management of depression — Depression, for the purposes of this article, refers to the mental disorder known as major depressive disorder. This kind of depression is a recognized clinical condition and is becoming a common condition in developed countries, where up to 20%… …   Wikipedia

  • Sauna — For other uses, see Sauna (disambiguation). A traditional Finnish shore sauna view …   Wikipedia

  • literature — /lit euhr euh cheuhr, choor , li treuh /, n. 1. writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. 2.… …   Universalium

  • Ankylosing spondylitis — Classification and external resources An ankylosing spine in which the vertebrae become fused together. ICD 10 M …   Wikipedia

  • Psoriasis — Classification and external resources A person whose back and arms are affected by psoriasis ICD 10 L …   Wikipedia

  • Business and Industry Review — ▪ 1999 Introduction Overview        Annual Average Rates of Growth of Manufacturing Output, 1980 97, Table Pattern of Output, 1994 97, Table Index Numbers of Production, Employment, and Productivity in Manufacturing Industries, Table (For Annual… …   Universalium

  • religion — religionless, adj. /ri lij euhn/, n. 1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”