Following every treatment with a patient I will advice to either use cold or hot and cold hydrotherapy, here’s some information on when to use them.
Cold Hydrotherapy
The purpose of this therapy is to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling in the affected area. Following injury the area becomes inflamed and swollen causing pain. During this phase the tissues become very congested. This form of hydrotherapy is aimed at reducing the inflammation and swelling, relieving some of the pain and helping the healing process.
How it is done:
1. Using a frozen pack from the freezer (e.g. frozen peas) wrapped in a tea-towel or small towel.
2. Apply to the area for 10 minutes.
3. Remove for 5 minutes.
4. Reapply the cold pack for 10 minutes.
5. Remove for 5 minutes.
6. Reapply the cold pack for 10 minutes.
7. Remove.
This is best to be completed regularly for the first 2-3 days following the injury.
Cold hydrotherapy is really effective with a new injury.
Hot and cold Hydrotherapy
The purpose of this therapy is to improve the circulation in the affected area. Following an injury the area becomes inflamed causing pain, once this inflammatory response reduces the area becomes congested. This form of hydrotherapy is aimed at improving the circulation to relieve the congestion, relieve some of the pain and help the healing process.
How it is done:
1. Using a small towel, or the shower (whichever is easier).
2.Use cold water straight from the cold tap and warm water, but not too hot to bear.
3.Soak the towel (or use the shower) first in the warm water and apply to the area for 3 minutes.
4.Remove this pack and soak (or using the shower) in the cold water and apply for 1 minute.
5.Repeat the warm and then cold again. Repeat each 3 times, ALWAYS END WITH COLD.
This hydrotherapy works best after 2/3 days once the swelling has reduced or for long term pain.