Graduated Shower
HYD
from Hydrothermic Remedies...
Water: Begin at 39°C, tolerance at 43-46°C Lower to 38 then 34°C
Effects:
Cooling NOT Tonic
Definition
A shower that begins at about 39 degrees celcius, then the temperature is quickly raised to tolerance and is maintained until the patient is ready for the temperature to be gradually lowered.
Physiologic Effects
- Cooling, not tonic or stimulating (don't let patient feel cold)
Indications
- After a prolonged or vigorous sweating bath when much heat has been communicated to the body.
Contraindications
- When it is desirable to suppress reaction as much as possible, as in acute inflammation.
- When acute nervous irritability or excitability exists.
Equipment
- Stool - non-rusting
- Shower cap if patient wishes
Procedure
Important Considerations
- Rubber mat on floor of shower so patient doesn't slip
Preparation for Treatment
- Turn on shower and adjust to proper temperature
- Make sure patient's feet are warm before entering shower.
- Use shower cap if patient wishes
- Have stool on hand in case patient becomes faint.
- Have patient get into shower
Treatment
- Begin at about 38°C
- Quickly raise temperature to tolerance (43-46°C)
- Maintain until patient feels well warmed and is ready to welcome the cold (1 to 3 minutes)
- Then slowly and gradually lower to 38 degrees celcius and maintain at this point for 2-3 minutes.
- Then lower to 34°C gradually and hold it there for approximately 2 minutes.
- Then lower down to tap temperature for 2 seconds, then bring patient out of the shower
- Note: Entire treatment should not take no more than 10 minutes.
Completion of Treatment
- Dry as quickly as possible with towels and sheets.
- See that the patient is not exposed to cold air or drafts for at least an hour afterwards.
GKA
from Dr GK Abbott's Prescriptions...
- At the end of sweating treatment, to prevent thermic reaction
- Before leaving hot treatment apply Cooling Compress to head
- Begin at 42-43°C, quickly raise to 46-48°C, maintaining until patient feels well warmed and ready to welcome the cold
- Gradually lower to between 27-32°C, maintaining for 2-4min.
- Dry as quickly as possible and see the patient is not exposed to drafts or cold for at least 1 hour