Types of Therapeutic baths

Types of Therapeutic baths

Hot water tub bath: Immersion in hot water helps relieve muscle soreness and spasm. Water temperature should be 45 o to 46 o C.

Warm water tub bath: Bathing in warm water relieves muscle tension. Water temperature should be 43 o C.

Cool water bath: Bathing in tipid water helps to lower body temperature when the body temperature is over 40 o C (104 o F).

Water temperature should be 37 o C.

                  Sitz Bath:

Sitz bath : Cleanses and reduces inflammation of the perineal and anal areas of a patient who has undergone rectal or perineal surgery or in hemorrhoids or fissures. Water temperature should be 43 o C to 45 o C.

Cold sitz bath: Cold sitz bath is more effective in relieving pain in the postoperative period.

                  Back rub or back massage promotes relaxation, relieves, muscular tension and stimulates skin

circulation.  An effective back rub takes 3-5 minutes.

Care of pressure points and prevention of decubitus ulcer

Prevention of decubitus ulcer in their patients who are bedridden is a major responsibility of nurses working in a hospital.

When we walk or stand on our two feet, the weight of our body is borne by our feet. But when an individual is confined to bed, the weight of his body has to be borne by his back or sides. The skin of the soles of our feet is very tough and thick and it does not break easily in spite of the entire weight of the body being supported by it. The nature has designed the sole of the skin for weight bearing whereas the skin over the back of the body is not. When there is pressure on the skin of the back because of the weight of the body, the skin breaks and an ulcer develops.