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Therapeutic shower
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Therapeutic showers are divided into local and general, as well as with low (0.3-1 atm), medium (1.5-2 atm) and high (3-4 atm) pressure. The intensity of mechanical irritation depends on the "hardness" of the stream, pressure and temperature of the water. The water temperature can be constant and variable (for example, in a Scottish shower).
Showers are prescribed as an independent course of treatment or in combination with other water procedures. The temperature and pressure of the water are selected depending on the characteristics of the disease and the goal. Short-term cold and hot showers refresh, increase the tone of muscles and peripheral vessels. Long-term cold and hot showers reduce the excitability of sensory and motor nerves. Warm showers have a sedative effect.
Dust, rain and needle showers are descending showers. The water supply system consists of a special mesh with holes of different diameters. Showers of different temperatures and durations (daily 1-5 min) are prescribed, for a course of 12-20 procedures.
[ 1 ]
Circular shower
The circular shower unit consists of a system of thin vertical pipes with holes of 0.5-1 mm in diameter, located in a circle. During the procedure, the body is exposed to many thin horizontal jets under pressure. The jets have a piercing, sharply irritating effect on peripheral receptors. Circular shower is contraindicated for patients with severe asthenia. The course of treatment usually begins with a temperature of 34-36 °C, gradually reducing it to 25 °C. Water pressure is 1-1.5 atm. Circular shower is prescribed daily or every other day for 3-5 minutes, for a course of 15-18 procedures.
The patient takes an ascending (perineal) shower in a special chair. During the shower, the perineum and lumbosacral region are simultaneously affected, which is especially effective in cases of impotence.
[ 2 ]
Charcot's shower (jet)
The effect of a water jet from a distance of 3.5-4 m from the spine, face, head, mammary glands and genitals. The jet pressure is 1-3 atm., the water temperature range is 20-38 °C, the duration of the procedure is 2-5 minutes. A shower is prescribed daily or every other day, for a course of 12-18 procedures.
Scottish shower
The technique for performing a Scottish shower is the same as the Charcot shower, but with a Scottish shower, a stream of hot (38-42 °C) and cold (13-22 °C) water is directed at the patient alternately. The water temperature is changed 4-6 times over 2-5 minutes. The temperature of the hot water is gradually increased, and the cold water is decreased. The exposure time of hot water is 1 minute, and of cold water - 10 seconds. The total duration of exposure is selected individually. The procedure is indicated for those in need of stimulating therapy.
Underwater shower massage
Mechanical action of a water jet under pressure (0.5-3.5 atm) on a patient in a warm (34-37 °C) bath. Underwater shower massage uses the basic techniques of manual massage. The dosage of the procedure is selected based on the pressure of the water jet (0.5-3.5 atm), the diameter of the tip (7-11 mm), the distance between the tip and the body (5-15 cm), and the angle of the jet onto the body surface. The most intense effect is provided by water jets in a perpendicular direction, a small diameter of the nozzle and its close location to the body surface. Underwater shower massage successfully combines the effects of a warm bath and massage. A warm bath relaxes muscles, helps reduce pain, and allows for more energetic mechanical action.
The effect of the underwater shower massage is as follows:
- increase oxygen in tissues;
- improving lymph flow;
- redistribution of blood with outflow to the periphery and an increase in the return of blood to the heart;
- improvement of cerebral hemodynamics;
- reduction of high blood pressure;
- stimulation of metabolic processes;
- resorption of inflammatory foci.
By using different massage techniques, you can enhance the impact on certain areas of the body and purposefully change blood circulation in them. The total duration of the procedure is 20-45 minutes. Prescribed daily or every other day, for a course of 12-18 procedures.
Contraindications for the use of underwater shower massage are the same as for general baths.