Hot Tub Bath

HYD

from Hydrothermic Remedies...

"The hot bath dilates (the skin) vessels bringing fresh blood with oxygen and nutritive elements.... The absorption and use of vital food elements is stimulated.... Waste products are more completely removed. The resistive powers of the body are stimulated..." Hydrotherapy in the Home, p.32.

Water 38 - 40°C / 100 - 104°F

Effects:

Definition

A tub bath with increased water temperature for specific heating effects.

Physiologic Effects

  1. To increase peripheral circulation
  2. To increase metabolism
  3. To increase perspiration
  4. To elevate body temperature
  5. To relieve pain, stiffness and fatigue
  6. To relieve congestion of internal organs

Indications

  1. Poor General Circulation
  2. Pain, especially Joint Pain, Colic and Cystitis
  3. Muscle Weakness and Muscle Rigidity
  4. Congestion of internal organs
  5. Early in the treatment of Sedentary Lifestyle with Musculo-Skeletal Dysfunctions and Cold Extremities

Contraindications or Cautions

  1. Heart and valvular diseases
  2. Diabetes
  3. Diseases of malignant origin
  4. Vascular disorders
  5. High blood pressure

Important Considerations

  • Aged or frail people will not tolerate hot bath well
  • If patient is on medication, consult physician first
  • If dizziness or faintness developments, STOP at once
  • Never leave the patient alone

Equipment

  1. Bath thermometer
  2. 2-3 bath towels and bath mat
  3. Basin of ice water
  4. 2 wash cloths or compress
  5. Shower cap to protect hair
  6. Rubber ring or folded towel for patient to sit on
  7. Folded bath towel for inflatable or plastic-covered head pillow
  8. If prolonged:
    1. Ice bag
    2. Cool fluids to drink

Procedure

Important Considerations

  • When patient is taking medication, it would be well to consult the physician in regard to the use of the Hot Tub Bath
  • Aged or frail people will not tolerate hot bath well
  • Do not leave patient alone, if dizziness and weakness develop and the pulse become weak and rapid, discontinue at once
  • Do not give the hot bath after a full meal, it is better for liquids to be given after a bath
  • Avoid drafts
  • Use a bath thermometer for checking water temperature; the hand is not a safe guide but elbow can be used if no thermometer is available.

Preparation for Treatment

  • Room should be warm and free from drafts
  • Assemble equipment
  • Fill the tub ⅔ full of water at 38 - 40°C / 100-104°F

Treatment

  • Assist patient into tub; make comfortable with a pad or folded towels under hips and behind head
  • Cover exposed body parts with a towel or cover tub with a sheet or light blanket
  • Keep head cool with a cold compress
  • The first treatment should elevate the body temperature only 1°C / 2°F; the duration only 10 minutes
  • Cool water to 35.5°C / 96°F for about 5 minutes; encourage exercise in the water
  • With longer bath times and increased temperature always use an ice bag over the heart and give fluids to drink
  • Check pulse regularly; do not exceed 80 beats per minute.
  • Assist patient from tub; remember, he/she may become dizzy or faint with exertion getting out of the tub
  • Follow the bath with an Alcohol Sponge or a Cold Sponge
  • Dry thoroughly and keep patient warm
  • Have patient rest for 1 hour after treatment
  • It may be advisable to take the bath only two or three times weekly as the physician may deem necessary
  • Avoid over-fatigue
  • Care of the skin after the bath is important: Dry skin thoroughly; olive oil for dry skin is beneficial

Completion of Treatment

JHK

from Dr JH Kellogg's Hydriatic Techniques...

39, 38-41°C / 102, 100-106°F; Very hot 42, 40-46°C / 108, 104-115°F

  • 2-15 min, always begin at 38°C / 100°F and raise gradually

Derivative

40°C /104° 5-15min followed by vigorous Tonic Friction in:

Sudorific

40-44°C / 104-111&°F 10min followed by a Dry Pack in:

Antispasmodic

43°C / 109°F, 10-15min, for palliative Pain relief in:

Stimulating

over 40°C / 104°F, 3-5 min followed by Tonic Cold

Antipyretic in

Contra-indications

GKA

from Dr GK Abbott's Prescriptions...