Application of heat-cold in traumas (contrast bath therapy)

You already know about the use of cold in an injury, but have you also heard about the application of heat and cold combined?

It is important that we learn to differentiate when to apply each in order to achieve the maximum use of each therapy, so pay attention to the following tips that I bring you thanks to the advice of the professionals from KINEMED.

The hot-cold treatment is called a "contrast bath" by the abrupt change in temperature that occurs when abruptly changing from one to another. Precisely this metabolic impact triggers immediate physiological responses that result in the reduction of edema (in simple words: low swelling).

When should I apply it?

-When we have an injury or chronic edema (for more than 72 hours).

-YOU SHOULD NOT APPLY when you are facing an acute and painful inflammatory process.

How should I apply it?

-You should place 1 bucket of hot water (between 38 and 44 celsius degrees) and another bucket with cold water (10 to 20 celsius degrees) and must contrast 2 minutes of hot water and 1 minute of cold water.

- Always start with hot water.

-The process can be repeated for up to 30 minutes.

IMPORTANT:

The application of HEAT ALONE is used to increase oxygenation and blood flow which creates a relaxing effect ideal to use after heavy training sessions, however you SHOULD NOT APPLY in the early stages of an injury.

Gladiators remember to apply these treatments correctly to recover quickly from injuries.

#english