Hot Foot Bath - Hydrotherapy Procedures

Definition:

A local immersion bath covering the feet, ankles and legs.

Effects:

1. Relieves head, chest and pelvic congestions by the drawing of blood from those areas to the legs and feet.
2. Stops nosebleed.
3. Relieves pain and spasms of the feet and legs.

Procedure:

1. Soak cloth with tap water. Wring and put around the neck or joint twice. Be sure the wet cloth is neither too wet to drip nor to dry. If medicated compress is applied, rub area with prescribed medication or ointment. Do not wet the cloth with water but wrap the around the area dry after the medication is applied. (In applying a plain heating compress, wet cloth is applied without medication.)
2. Apply compress smoothly and quickly to avoid chilling.
3. With the piece of flannel cloth, wrap compress snugly to exclude air and pin securely on the side of the neck or joint.
4. Leave compress on overnight or at least for 6-8 hours.
5. Take care that the compress is not to tight so it does not interfere with circulation and joint movements.
6. Rub the area with a cloth wrung out cold water (tap water) immediately after removing the compress in the morning or after 6-8 hours.
7. Dry the area thoroughly. Compress may be applied once or twice a day.