Contrast Hydrotherapy

This week we are sharing a massage therapy trade secret! Well, not really a secret, but I do consider this a career extender for RMTs like myself. I have been using this technique on myself for over a decade now - since 2012! I frequently teach clients how to do contrast forearm baths, as recommended home care for a variety of forearm, wrist, and hand conditions.

If you’re in a rush, scroll down to the photograph to learn how to use this popular massage therapy and acupuncture home care technique!

In the context of a blog post, I cannot say if this will be a right fit for you, as it depends on your particular condition, health history, and goals. Ask us at your next massage or acupuncture appointment, or check in with another health care provider before proceeding to see if this technique would be helpful for you.

However, since I recommend this so frequently, I wanted to take the time to write out the instructions, so our clients can use this as a reference. I won’t make any health claims, but it is quite safe and anecdotally, the feedback is quite positive. The idea is that you are alternating between hot and ice cold immersion baths for the hands and forearms. Hot water immersion is dilating blood vessels, increasing blood circulation. Ice water immersion is constricting blood vessels, reducing bloodflow to the skin, reducing inflammation and distracting from pain. Alternating between the two, dialating - constricting, dialating - constricting, dialating-constricting, in theory creates a pumping or plunger effect with the blood vessels, with the intended result of increasing circulation, decreasing inflammation, and confusing the nervous system input to decrease pain sensations. That is the theory at least! In the massage therapy world, the actual reasons certain techniques work may not always match the theory we learned in school - but that is a topic for another time. What I can say is that many registered massage therapists have done contrast hydrotherapy on our hard working hands and forearms at one point or another, many of us make time to do this on a regular basis over the span of our careers. Our hands are our tools and we need to keep them in good working order! And your hands are your tools too! Conditions of the forearms, wrists and hands are common and can really impact quality of life. Again, it depends on the person and the condition, it can be complex, and it is always very important to seek proper medical care. This is a homecare technique, to assist healing but absolutely not a stand alone treatment.

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Soothe Your Skin With Colloidal Oatmeal

We are starting a series on bath additives. Simple everyday ingredients to boost your self care regime. Simple is good! Uncomplicated, easy ways to improve some common issues.

Colloidal oatmeal is a fantastic bath additive and treatment for itchy, dry or inflamed skin. Oatmeal that is finely ground and mixed with water works as an emollient and skin protectant. It is also an anti inflammatory and antioxidant treatment for the skin. It is nourishing, soothing and moisturizing thanks to the high concentration of Beta-Glucan. There is a low chance of adverse reactions, as long as you are not allergic to oats. If you are sensitive to gluten, be sure to only buy gluten free oats. Colloidal oatmeal is a common and widely used skincare ingredient, and for good reason, it works!

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