Re: Contrast Bath

In Reply to: Contrast Bath posted by Corey on December 07, 2003 at 14:43:27:

the link worked for me. here's what it says--
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Help for Some Music-Related Injuries
Contrast Bath Hydrotherapy
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Here is a home remedy for many hand wrist and forearm aches and pains. If you suffer from what you believe to be an overuse injury during music playing you may want to try a home hydrotherapy treatment. This is not a substitute for seeking medical attention for any suspected serious injury. I know many musicians suffer from music-related soreness and are unable to get immediate attention from a physician. In the meantime hydrotherapy is an effective treatment that reduces or eliminates many symptoms and signs of overuse injuries.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water as a therapeutic agent. Water may be applied to an injury in the form of ice, heat, etc.The specific type of hydrotherapy to be discussed here is called Contrast Baths.

Technique:

Find 2 wash buckets/basins that can easily accommodate your painful body part.
Fill one basin with very hot water - as hot as you can comfortably tolerate (do not scald)
Fill the second with ice cold water - as cold as you can tolerate (ice cubes may be necessary)
Immerse your sore body part into the hot basin for 1-2 minutes
Immediately transfer into the cold basin and immerse for 30 seconds.
Repeat dipping for 5-10 transfers.
End your bath in the cold basin.
Perform this procedure one to two times per day.

The contrast of hot-cold creates a pumping of the blood in and out of the body part. The blood vessels dilate in the heat and constrict in the cold. Any stagnating swelling is reduced as it is pumped out of the body part. Inflammation is reduced as fresh blood and healing agents are pumped into the injured area. Pain is also reduced, as both hot and cold have anesthetic effects. Contrast baths are effective in helping carpal tunnel syndromes and hand / forearm tendinitis.

Give it a try. If symptoms don't improve in a few days get checked by a physician.

Remember, contrast baths may help in healing, but doesn't effect the cause of injury. Perhaps your playing posture should be evaluated by an experienced health professional.
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