Originator: Lucy BeveridgeDate: June 2010

Version: 2Date for Review: June 2013

DGOH Ref No: DGOH/PIL/00290

Contrast BathingOccupational TherapyPatient Information Leaflet

CONTRAST BATHING

After injury and/or surgery, you may notice some swelling in yourhand. It can be quite normal for swelling to take several days toreduce. A treatment called Contrast Bathing can be helpful toreduce swelling in your hand by improving circulation and makingthe hand easier to move.

Contrast bathing should only be carried out when advised by yourtherapist, when wounds are completely healed and when stitchescompletely removed.

How to contrast bathe

You will need two clean containers, large enough to fit all of yourhand and wrist.

Fill one container with warm water.

Fill the other with cold water.

Step 1

First place your hand in the bowl of warm water and practicesqueezing your hand tightly into fists for 3 minutes. Straighten yourfingers in between each fist.

Step 2

Then place your hand in the bowl of cold water for 3 minutes.Straighten your fingers in between each fist.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 up to six times. Always end the session withyour hand in the bowl of warm water.

Any questions?

It is recommended that Contrast Bathing should be done-------------a day.

Please contact your Occupational Therapist on............................................................................ on Tel: 01384244532.

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