The Local Cold Bath is the immersion of an extremity in cold water to slow down metabolism to an injured or inflamed area.

Uses

• Swelling and congestion, as in early stages of a sprain
• Acute inflammation and swelling, i.e., acute arthritis
• To slow pulse and respiration if immersing both hands in very cold water (55º and under)

Items Needed

• Container large enough to cover the area being treated (60º water)
• Thermometer
• Pitcher to add ice or cold water
• Ice
• Two towels

Treatment Procedure

1. Pray
2. Explain procedure
3. Make sure the person is warm. A general heating treatment may be needed first.
4. Have person submerge body part in 60º water.
5. Duration of treatment is 30 minutes and may be repeated as needed to relieve pain.
6. Dry the area.

Cautions

• Keep hot water temperature at or below 104º for Diabetes and Peripheral vascular disease.
• Tendency to hemorrhage