Hot Tub Bath
applies to hot tub or regular bath tub
Please read Important Points to be Observed with all Treatments before performing this treatment.
Contraindications and Cautions
check with your doctor if:
  1. Heart and valvular diseases
  2. Diabetes
  3. Diseases of malignant origin
  4. Vascular disorders
  5. High blood pressure
​Important Considerations
  1. Aged or frail people will not tolerate hot bath well
  2. Do not perform on patients who struggle to get into the tub
  3. Do not leave patient alone, if dizziness and weakness develop and the pulse become weak and rapid, STOP at once
  4. Do not give the hot bath after a full meal, it is better for liquids to be given after a bath
  5. Avoid drafts
​These videos are for demonstration purposes, if the patient has COVID-19, the carer must wear personal protective equipment.


Equipment
  1. Bath thermometer for checking water temperature; the hand is not a safe guide but elbow can be used if no thermometer is available.
  2. 2-3 bath towels and bath mat
  3. Basin of ice water
  4. 2 wash cloths or compress
  5. Shower cap to protect hair
  6. Rubber ring or folded towel for patient to sit on (optional)
  7. Folded bath towel for inflatable or plastic-covered head pillow
  8. Rustproof stool if finishing with a Cold Shower, and patient is weak.
  9. If prolonged: Ice bag for heart
Procedure
​Preparation for Treatment
  • Room should be warm and free from drafts
  • Assemble equipment
  • Fill the tub ⅔ full of water at 38 - 40°C / 100-104°F.
Treatment
  • Assist patient into tub; make comfortable with a pad or folded towels under hips and behind head, as needed
  • Encourage the patient to lie down to get as much of the chest in the water as possible.
  • Keep head cool with a cold compress
  • The first treatment should continue until profuse sweating is seen on face (usually 5 minutes after perspiration becomes visible).
  • Continue no longer than 20 minutes, often first treatment is just over 10 minutes.
  • For following treatments, with longer bath times and increased temperature always use an ice bag over the heart and give fluids to drink
  • Check pulse regularly; do not exceed 80 beats per minute.
  • Follow the bath with a single Pail Pour or Cold Shower
    • Pail Pour: throw the ice water (at least 2 litres/quarts from the Cold Compress basin) over the neck and upper back of while the patient is sitting forward, or standing in tub holding on.
    • Cold Shower: 2 to 30 seconds of faucet-cold water especially on neck and upper back .
  • Assist patient from tub; remember, he/she may become dizzy or faint with exertion getting out of the tub
Completion of Treatment
  • Dry thoroughly and keep patient warm
  • Care of the skin after the bath is important: Dry skin thoroughly; olive oil or moisturiser for dry skin is beneficial
  • Have patient rest in bed for at least 1 hour after treatment​.