Effects of Hot and Cold Water

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Hydrotherapy Effects of Cold and Hot Water

Primary Effect Secondary Effect

Cold Water -peripheral vascular constriction
-Pallor of skin, chilliness, shivering, chattering
-Increases respiratory rate
-Increases muscular tone
-Increases blood pressure and heart rate Occurs if you warm up:
-Peripheral vascular dilation, causing redness of skin
-Decrease in respiratory rate
-Decrease in blood pressure and heart rate
-Muscle relaxation

Hot Water -Increases Body Temperature
-Increases Pulse rate (by 10 for every 1 degree increase in body temp)
-Increases respiration rate
-Increases oxygen consumption and metabolic rate
-Peripheral vasodilatation
-Increases Circulation
-Decreases blood pressure
-pH becomes more alkaline
-Increases in excretion from kidneys Generally the same as secondary effects of cold; Gradual reduction of these effects as body returns to normal.

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