Hydrotherapy for Healing: Contrast Shower Benefits and Techniques

Contrast Shower Contrast Shower Hydrotherapy Hub March 2022 Susan Pellandini

Contrast Shower The healing time of practically any fracture can be shortened notably by the use of hydrotherapy as soon as the cast is removed it eliminates the long periods of weakness, stiffness and partial disability that are commonly the sequel Sprays that may be given in the shower have a distinct value especially in the later stages of healing. They may be hot or cold or an alternation of both. They may be strong or soft, needle point or of a flooding type. They may be given with a hose by the operator, or they may be manipulated at the showerhead or regulated by the patient. The type suitable to the patient s condition and liking must be chosen. Louella Doub, DC, RN, Hydrotherapy

Contrast Shower MODULE OBJECTIVES After completing this module and Life and Health Hydrotherapy Videos Section 3.2 the student will be able to: Describe the effect of the Contrast Shower. Identify any cautions and contraindications to the Contrast Shower. Perform and administer the Contrast Shower safely and effectively.

Contrast Shower Streams of water coming from a showerhead are a very common application of water and very appealing. A shower can be whole-body or a part of the body, such as, a leg and foot, arm, low back, etc. Showers are usually set up as one stream or showerhead; however, multiple showerheads up to 16 heads can be utilized at once, making for a very powerful and effective treatment. Showers are beneficial for cleansing or stimulating tissues, whether the skin or deeper tissues. The temperature can range from very hot, neutral and cold to contrasting, which will be discuss in this segment. Because of the delivery, a shower is both thermal and mechanical in nature. For instance how much of the body is exposed, how extreme the water temperature, how hard the spray is and how long the shower lasts all has varying effects on the body.

Contrast Shower In a shower, the mechanical stimulus effect of the stream(s) of water striking the skin stimulates receptors that are sensitive to pressure, causing a sedate and analgesic effect. This sensation is very relaxing and pleasant. The thermal effects are local and reflexive in nature, depending on the temperature of the water. Unlike baths, showers are less intense because the body is not completely surrounded by water. Indications vary depending on the temperature of the water. Showers can be hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold, graduated and contrasted. In this segment, the focus will be the Contrast Shower. Very little equipment is needed for the Contrast Shower, therefore one of the easier treatments to administer.

Contrast Shower GENERAL CAUTIONS It is important to note some general safety concerns whenever using a shower. Wet, smooth surfaces can be slippery, like the shower lining or the floor outside the shower. Grab bars, shower chairs, or rubber mats inside the shower are helpful. Having a bath mat on the floor outside the shower is essential to catch water spills and to have something dry for the client to step on.

Contrast Shower GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR SHOWER TREATMENT 1. Never use showers directly over implanted devices like chemo ports, pacemakers, Baclofen pumps. Also avoid over open wounds, sores, etc. 2. Never shower a chilled client with a cool or cold shower. 3. Carefully monitor the temperature of the water and treat within the client s tolerance. Over time, as the client adjusts to hot and cold in the Contrast Shower, temperatures can be made more extreme but always in tolerance. 4. Individuals with decreased skin sensation indicate a treatment with less extreme temperatures.

Definition A contrast shower is a series of hot or very hot showers [102-110 F (39-43 C)] alternated by cold showers [55-70 F (13-21 C)], with the hot segment lasting longer then the cold. A person who has experienced a hot and cold shower will feel very energized, alert and warm for some time. Extreme circulatory changes take place: during the hot phase the body is stimulated to give off heat and during the cold phase it is stimulated to conserve heat. Contrast showers are used by athletes to prevent delayed-onset of muscle soreness after exercise or speed the recovery time of exerting extreme energy in competition. Headaches and migraines can be prevented from full-blown symptoms or shortened in their duration if a contrast shower is taken soon after symptoms are felt.

Contrast Shower The effect of the Contrast Shower can be deepened by more mechanical stimulation of a body loofah sponge or brush during the shower. A salt glow shower is an excellent tonic which will be discussed in a further advanced course.

Contrast Shower Effect 1. Thermal with intense circulatory fluxion 2. Stimulating as body tries to throw off heat during hot phase and conserve heat during cold phase. 3. Immunity increased 4. Mechanical receptors on skin are stimulated by the pressure from the shower.

Contrast Shower Indications/Conditions 1. Stimulates blood flow to skin, relieving congestion of internal organs. 2. Lethargy or fatigue. 3. Serves as a tonic. The capillaries of the skin are given opportunity to fully dilate with blood. 4. Prevent soreness after vigorous exercise. Increased circulation of the blood and lymph prevents lactic acid build-up. 5. Prevent development of a migraine headache. 6. Prevent on-set of respiratory cold or flu. 7. Shorten duration of respiratory cold or flu. 8. Develop better tolerance to cold winter weather. 9. Advanced diabetes.

Contrast Shower Cautions 1. Advanced diabetes 20 difference in temperature. 2. Loss of sensation 20 difference in temperature. 3. Pregnancy 20 difference in temperature. 4. Hyperthyroid not too frequent, as this will stimulate an already over-active thyroid. 5. Inability to tolerate heat or cold use less extreme temperature.

Contrast Shower Contraindications 1. Lymphedema due to disease or surgery. 2. Advanced cardiovascular disease. Too much burden will be on the heart and musculature of artery walls when forced to contract or dilate. 3. Advanced renal or kidney disease. 4. Multiple sclerosis. 5. Seizure disorders.

Contrast Shower 6. Extreme obesity 7. Recent meal wait at least 1 hour 8. Chilled person 9. Ingestion of alcohol or illegal drugs

Contrast Shower Equipment 1. Shower stall 2. Hot and cold water from the faucet 3. Thermometer 4. Container to measure temperature of water 5. Bath towel to dry off after the shower 6. Bath mat for the floor to step onto 7. Grab bars if individuals are unsteady 7. Body brush or loofah sponge for extra mechanical stimulation, if desired 8. Time device 9. Prayer

Contrast Shower

Contrast Shower

Contrast Shower Procedure 1. Have all equipment ready ahead of time. 2. Check health history and clear for cautions or contraindications and consent to treat. 3. Take vital signs & explain the treatment to the client. 4. With privacy, have the client void in the commode. 5. Pray with client, asking for God s healing blessing. 6. Client undresses to bathing suit. 7. Place bath mat on floor in front of shower.

Contrast Shower Procedure, continued 8. Turn on water in shower using the container to catch water and the thermometer to adjust hot water temp to desired safe level for client. 9. Client enters hot shower and remains 3-5 minutes until thoroughly warm, rotating to expose all body areas. 10.Change the water to cold, using thermometer to check the temperature for desired level. Remain 30 seconds, no longer than 1 minute. Client rotates to expose all body areas. Breath deeply. 11.Change the water back to hot for 3 minutes, checking temperature. 12.Change the water back to cold for 30 60 sec., checking temperature.

Contrast Shower 13. Repeat steps #11 & #12 for minimum of 3 cycles, ending on cold. 14. Turn off water as client steps out onto bath mat. 15. Have client thoroughly towel-dry briskly. 16. Have client dress immediately, including feet to stay warm. 17. Have client rest undistracted and covered for 30 minutes. 18. Retake vital signs and record treatment.

Contrast Shower - Disinfection The shower, grab bars, handles, anything touched by the client should be carefully disinfected with a spray bottle. Leave for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Contrast Shower STORY The author has found it to be a very invigorating boost at the beginning of the day to engage in activity or exercise that stimulates a sweating response and sustained for 30 minutes or more. Following the exercise, declothe and while still sweaty enter into a cold shower for 1 minute. Switch to hot for 2-3 minutes while shampooing hair, etc. Switch back to cold for 30 60 seconds. Switch to hot for 2-3 minutes. End on cold for 1 minute. This sequence cuts the amount of water used, time in the shower and leaves the author feeling ready to conquer the world! Try it three different times and see what you think!

References References Sinclair, Marybetts, Modern Hydrotherapy for the Massage Therapist, Chapter 9, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008

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