Hot Tubs

[MMcCloud]

Does anyone have any information about the efficacy of sitting in a hot tub daily
as a way to help heal pudendal nerve pain after surgery?

[ezer]

I find that the heavy level of chlorination that is needed for the upkeep of a hot tub clearly irritates the nerves in my case. I think a simple hot bath with Epsom Salt is better.

[pomegranate]

I don't know of any official information, but after taking nightly hot baths and doing pelvic floor drops in tub for over a year now, I can say that particular home remedy has helped me. All my PT's strongly suggest daily hot baths with pelvic floor relaxation. Certainly can't hurt!

Lauren

[Violet M]

I used alternating hot and cold therapy 4 times a day during my recovery. Here's an article that suggests why this type of therapy might be more effective in the healing process than just hot or cold alone:

http://www.physicaltherapyinsport.com/a ... 6/abstract
http://tinyurl.com/6jvhaaq

Alternating hot and cold water immersion for athlete recovery: a review

Darryl J Cochrane

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this review was to investigate whether alternating hot–cold water treatment is a legitimate training tool for enhancing athlete recovery. A number of mechanisms are discussed to justify its merits and future research directions are reported. Alternating hot–cold water treatment has been used in the clinical setting to assist in acute sporting injuries and rehabilitation purposes. However, there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence for it's inclusion as a method for post exercise recovery. Many coaches, athletes and trainers are using alternating hot–cold water treatment as a means for post exercise recovery.

Design. A literature search was performed using SportDiscus, Medline and Web of Science using the key words recovery, muscle fatigue, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, hydrotherapy, contrast water immersion and training.

Results. The physiologic effects of hot–cold water contrast baths for injury treatment have been well documented, but its physiological rationale for enhancing recovery is less known. Most experimental evidence suggests that hot–cold water immersion helps to reduce injury in the acute stages of injury, through vasodilation and vasoconstriction thereby stimulating blood flow thus reducing swelling. This shunting action of the blood caused by vasodilation and vasoconstriction may be one of the mechanisms to removing metabolites, repairing the exercised muscle and slowing the metabolic process down.

Conclusion. To date there are very few studies that have focussed on the effectiveness of hot–cold water immersion for post exercise treatment. More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn on whether alternating hot–cold water immersion improves recuperation and influences the physiological changes that characterises post exercise recovery

This University of Maryland website recommends 3 minutes in hot, 30 sec in cold which is pretty close to what I did:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/tend ... 000163.htm
http://tinyurl.com/3kmz29d

"Contrast hydrotherapy, or alternating hot and cold applications. After the first 24 - 48 hours, soak affected part for 3 minutes in hot water, then 30 seconds in cold water."

[pomegranate]

I find that the heavy level of chlorination that is needed for the upkeep of a hot tub clearly irritates the nerves in my case. I think a simple hot bath with Epsom Salt is better.

Good point, and I can't believe I forgot to think about that. Chlorine can be a huge irritant, and I agree that Epsom salt is very soothing!