The hand and arm bath was an elongated container, big enough for the person to rest their arm and hand in, as they sat in a chair and received either Galvanic (an interrupted positive potential), or a sinusoidal (slow or rapid alternating) current delivered by electrodes placed on the skin underwater. Many different kinds of baths and forms of electricity became popular in the early and mid-20th century, including half-body baths, Sitz baths (the patient immersed only their seated area, not the legs or upper body), and foot baths. Some therapists used hot and cold contrast baths, as well as whirlpool baths and various hoses and douches for therapeutic effect. The patient sat for around 30 minutes with their arm in a bath at 36-43 degrees Celsius, with the desired effect being to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and spasm, and encourage movement. As a therapy for many kinds of upper limb burns, nerve and muscle injuries, sinusoidal baths became an invaluable way to focus treatment on an affected limb and break the monotony of painful massage and mobilisation.
Today, water filled baths and sinusoidal currents are rarely ever used, as orthopaedic and neurological management of injuries has improved. But for much of the early and mid-20th century, sinusoidal arm baths were standard issue in most physiotherapy departments.
Description provided by David Nicholls of New Zealand.
