Traditional Hydrotherapy

from Hydrothermic Remedies...

Many years ago Preissnitz, an Austrian physician used water in the treatment of many diseases. He found the sitz baths to be of great value in the treatment of constipation as well as other abdominal constipations and pelvic diseases. One of the oldest and most valuable of all hydrotherapy procedures is the sitz bath, or sitting bath.

• Alternate Sitz
• Cold Sitz Bath
• Cold Rubbing Sitz
• Neutral Sitz
• Prolonged Cold Sitz
• Revulsive Sitz
• Very Hot Sitz

Hot Sitz 41-44°C / 106-111°F, Foot Bath 43-44°C / 109-111°F

Effects:-

Analgesic for:- Pelvic Inflammation

Definition

The sitz bath is an immersion bath in which the patient sits in water of appropriate temperature while keeping his feet in a hot tub bath.

Physiologic Effects

1. Cold sitz stimulates contraction of pelvic blood vessels, uterus and bowel musculature.
2. Alternate hot and cold produces fluxion.
3. Neutral sitz is a sedative

Indications

1. See individual sitz baths above

Contraindications

1. See individual sitz baths above

Equipment

1. Bath Thermometer
2. Wash tub and wood blocks
3. Foot tub (2 if doing the alternate hot and cold)
4. Lightweight blanket
5. Basin of ice water and compress
6. 3 or 4 bath towels
7. Tea Kettle of boiling water

Procedure

Important Considerations

• May cause fainting - watch carefully

Preparation for Treatment

• Keep room free from drafts
• Assemble equipment
• Place towel under buttocks and knees, also behind back to protect from tub.

Treatment

• See individual sitz baths above for temperatures.
• Place sufficient water in the tub to cover hips and reach abdomen.
• Foot Bath should be several degrees hotter than the sitz bath.
• Place cold compress on the head and neck during the hot sitz bath.
• Conclude the hot sitz bath by cooling water to neutral or pouring cold water over the hips.

Completion of Treatment

• Make sure the patient is warm and dry.
• Allow to rest for 20 minutes.

Modified sitz bath

The ordinary bath tub may be used with the patient sitting in the water with the knees bent.

from Dr JH Kellogg's Hydriatic Techniques...

Hot 46°C / 115°F, 41-49°C / 106-120°F

from Dr GK Abbott's Prescriptions...

Sitz tubs with...

• Hot Foot Bath
• Cooling Compress to head
• towels behind back and under the knees
• cover hips and lower abdomen with water