Contrast Bathing - mixing the cold with the hot for competition recovery

Here’s the concluding part to the heat and cold therapy treatments that we have looked at in the last two blogs.  We are going to look at what happens when we use these two types of treatment side by side.

Uses?

Contrast bathing is commonly used in sports injuries and although I wouldn’t recommend it, it can be adapted for use in acute injuries.  An acute injury is a new injury and a chronic injury is an older injury.

What it does?

It produces a pumping action which stimulates the blood supply to the immersed part and subsequently accelerates metabolic processes, reduces pain, increases the elasticity of ligaments and stimulates the sensory nerves – which can be very relaxing.

How?

Use a paddling pool for large groups or teams of athletes.  Showers, basins, tubs and buckets can also be used according to which area of the body requires the treatment. 

1.      Fill a vessel with hot water and another with cold water.

2.      Starting with the cold, plunge affected part/s in for 1 minute

3.      Plunge affected part/s in to the hot water for 1 minute

4.      Repeat and finish with the cold water plunge

If it is an acute injury, start with the hot water and stay in the cold for longer.  Be aware that the cold part of the cycle can be uncomfortable. 

Did you know?

Scientists in Australia have reported that athletes who use contrast hydrotherapy post training/competition have lighter and less tight muscles.

Byeeee for now (interested in updates and special offers? Sign up for them at LSM)