Home / Wellness / A New You In 2013 – Part 7: Hot And Cold Baths
A New You In 2013 – Part 7: Hot And Cold Baths

A New You In 2013 – Part 7: Hot And Cold Baths

By Dr. Virginia Nsitem
Pride Health Columnist

This article will discuss the benefits of hot and cold baths for sore muscles.

Hot Bath

Soaking in a hot bath (38-40 degrees Celsius) for 10-20 minutes can help promote increased circulation in the muscles and around the joints. The addition of Epsom salts in the hot bath is believed to help flush out the lactic acid in sore muscles. Alternatively, you may choose to add essential oils such as Tea tree oil to your bath water.

Cold Bath

Soaking in a cold bath (20-22 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes causes the blood vessels to tight or constrict. This can help reduce inflammation and swelling that cause pain.

Alternating hot and cold

Alternating between both hot and cold baths is a common practice for injured or swollen joints in the hands and feet. This type of treatment helps to flush out lactic acid, reduce swelling and inflammation, and return oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and joints to promote healing. Try using the hot bath for 10 minutes and then switching to the cold bath for another 10 minutes. This can be repeated 2-3 times.

There are certain conditions that can become irritated with cold or hot baths, so it is important to ask your chiropractor or physician if it is safe for you to proceed with this treatment.

Dr. Virginia Nsitem is a chiropractor specializing in laser therapy for muscle, joint and nerve injuries, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences in Canada. She may be reached at (905) 275-4993, or by email at totalhealth@bellnet.ca.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll To Top