Contrast bath therapy

Contrast bath therapy
Other namesHot/cold immersion therapy
Specialtyphysical therapy

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]

  1. ^ Bieuzen, François; Bleakley, Chris M.; Costello, Joseph Thomas (2013-01-01). "Contrast water therapy and exercise induced muscle damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis". PLOS ONE. 8 (4): e62356. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...862356B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0062356. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 3633882. PMID 23626806.
  2. ^ 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. PMID 17687732. S2CID 7515998.
  3. ^ David J. Magee; James E. Zachazewski; William S. Quillen (14 February 2007). Scientific Foundations and Principles of Practice in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 251. ISBN 978-1-4160-6854-9.