THE VARIABILITY OF THE CONTRAST BATHS IN THE PRACTICE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract

 Introduction: the variability in the assistance is an intrinsic characteristic of the physiotherapy practice. The existence of this variations cause differences in resource uses, days of convalescence and results. Antecedents of the question: a bibliographic review to analyze the scientific evidence that support the efficacy of the contrast bath and the physiological effects of this intervention have been carried out. Objective: in the present article we analyze the actual variability in the use of this physiotherapist modality. Material and method: in order to this objective, we have made a questionnaire with 33 physiotherapists in which we ask them about the instructions that they say to their patients about the application of the contrast bath. Results: the data of the questionnaire proves that there is an important variability in the administration of the contrast water: there are differences between the 33 physiotherapists in the parameters employed in the contrast water, for example in the time of application, temperature of the water or in the beginning with cold or hot water. Discussion and conclusions: we have demonstrated that in the present moment there is a big variability in the application of the contrast bath. There are not studies that prove and that provide strong scientific evidence that support the use of the contrast water in its modalities or that prove the benefits of this intervention.