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Contrast bathing in hand inflammation

This leaflet explains what contrast bathing is. It also explains what you will need and instructs the user on how it should be performed.

What is contract bathing and how does it work?

Contrast bathing is a simple but effective treatment to reduce stiffness and swelling of your hand and provide relief from aches and pains. It involves warm water and cold water therapy. 

When the hand is placed in warm water the blood vessels dilate (open), and then when it is placed in cold water the blood vessels constrict (close).

This has a squeezing effect which helps to pump the swelling out of the affected hand. This results in reduced inflammation, swelling and pain.

What equipment do I need?

  • Two bowls – large enough to put your hand in
  • Ice cubes
  • Warm and cold waters
  • Towels

What do I need to do?

  • Fill one bowl with ice cubes and cold water
  • Fill the other bowl with warm water (not hotter than 45°C)
  • Put your affected hand into the warm water first for 3 to 4 minutes, making sure you keep moving your fingers and thumb
  • Straight after, move your hand to the cold-water bowl and leave it in the cold water for 1 minute, making sure you keep moving your fingers and thumb
  • Do this for 6 to 8 times from warm to cold, always ending with warm water
  • Total treatment time should be 30 to 40 minutes. You may need to top up the warm water if it cools too much
  • Once done, dry hand thoroughly.

How often should it be done?

You should carry out contrast bathing daily. It will probably be most useful in the morning, but you can carry it out as often as you need to during the day.

Contra-indications

  • Always check your skin sensitivity before applying ice. If you cannot feel touch before applying ice, then contrast bathing must not be done.
  • Do not use contrast baths if you suffer circulatory problems, or you experience pain in your fingers with this treatment.
  • Do not use contrast baths if your skin is sore or broken in the injured area.
  • If you have a wound and suspect it may be infected, do not use this treatment and consult your GP or hand therapist.

Who should I contact if I have any questions, concerns or problems?

If you are concerned over the contrast bathing, or have a question, please contact the following:

Hand therapy team

Telephone: 01642 854453 or 01642 835595
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

Out of hours contact the team via email: [email protected]

Information for patients

This leaflet can be made available in other formats including LARGE PRINTS, CD, braille and in languages other than English, upon request.

Patient experience team (PET)

South Tees Hospital Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.

This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.

South Tees Hospital Foundation Trust

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).

The James Cook University Hospital

Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850

The Friarage Hospital

Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911

Leaflet Reference: PI011 – Version 01

Review Date: 23/04/2029