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Contrast Water Therapy

How it works 

A contrast water therapy session involves up to 45 minutes of alternating between our hot and cold magnesium pools which are approximately 39* and 8* respectively. When exposing the body to alternating temperature pools your blood vessels constrict and expand which reduces and then increases the flow of blood and fresh oxygen throughout the body. In addition to the circulatory and oxygen increases, the cold water immersion, like a cold pack, aids in reducing swelling and inflammation, and the hot water immersion, like a heat pack, improves tissue pliability and joint mobility.

For Your Body 

For Your Mind

  • Increase blood circulation

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Improve tissue repair

  • Reduced pain

  • Increased metabolism

  • Increased removal of toxins and lactic acid

  • Increased immune strength

  • Reduces stress

  • Improved relaxation

  • Improved sleep quality

  • Improved productivity and “feel” good energy

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's included in the Contrast Water Therapy session?
    The 45 minute session gives you access to the hot + cold pools and also the steam sauna
  • Is there an age limit to use the pools?
    Yes - Children between 10-14 need adult supervision and we don't allow children under 10 years of age to use our services.
  • When should I use the CWT for best results?
    The contrast water therapy can be used as a general health and well-being tool to maintain optimum body function. The cold magnesium pool is great used immediately following an intense training, exercise and activity to help reduce inflammation and lactic acid within the muscles and reduce the impact of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). The contrast water therapy (alternating between hot and cold) is a great flushing recovery tool which is most beneficial 4 hours or more after activity to help expedite recovery.
  • Should I go into the cold pool after a gym weights session?
    It is not recommended that the cold pool be used immediately after a gym strength session as it reduces inflammation which is actually beneficial and required to enable muscle growth. It is recommended that you wait until the following day after a strength training session to use the cold pools to allow for muscle growth before initiating repair.
  • What temperature are the pools?
    The temperature of our hot pools are set at 39 degrees celsius. Our cold pools are a cool 8 degrees celsius.
  • How often should I use the CWT pools?
    The pools can be used daily if your training schedule required that level of recovery and health assistance, however we recommend for general benefits to use the pools 2-3 times per week.
  • How long does a session go for?
    Each session is 45 minutes - including all the pools and steam room access
  • What should I do while I am in the pool?
    You can just sit and relax in the contrast pools and allow the alternating temperatures to work their benefits within the body. You can also do some gentle exercise and mobility whilst in the hot pool to help improve joint mobility and tissue length while the heat helps to increase tissue pliability and reduce stiffness. It is recommended that you see a professional for recommendations regarding exercises that may be beneficial for you.
  • Who shouldn’t or cannot use the CWT pools?
    Medical clearance for following conditions: - Pregnancy - Heart disease or heart conditions - High or low blood pressure - Acute infections - Pace maker - Chronic conditions / diseases that reduce your ability to sweat or perspire - Fever - Circulatory conditions - Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots Absolutely cannot use: - Open Wounds - Children under 10 years
  • Benefits of magnesium vs usual pool?
    Magnesium is an important mineral used within the body for muscle function and recovery. The magnesium chloride that we use in the contrast water therapy pools at RIGS is absorbed quickly through the skin to the blood stream and increases the available magnesium for the body to use. Therefore, unlike a stand hot or cold pool, our CWT has the added benefit of tissue recovery due to the available magnesium mineral in the water.
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