Contrast bath therapy is a form of treatment where a limb or the entire body is immersed in hot (but not boiling) water followed by the immediate immersion of the limb or body in cold ice water.[1] This procedure is repeated several times, alternating hot and cold. The only evidence of benefit is anecdotal and no plausible mechanism has been confirmed.[2][3]
^Petrofsky J, Lohman E, Lee S, de la Cuesta Z, Labial L, Iouciulescu R, Moseley B, Korson R, Al Malty A (2007). "Effects of contrast baths on skin blood flow on the dorsal and plantar foot in people with type 2 diabetes and age-matched controls". Physiother Theory Pract. 23 (4): 189–97. doi:10.1080/09593980701209295. PMID17687732. S2CID7515998.