Equipment

Contrast Therapy Pools Sunshine Coast

Stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Contrast therapy involves dipping icy water and switching to hot water, which forces your body to create a pump similar to when you do light exercise. The contrast in effects cold and hot water have on your body can lead to several health benefits like improved blood flow, reduced inflammation and swelling, and help relieve stress.

$20

for 20 min total

Benefits of Contrast Therapy Pools Sunshine Coast

The alternating cycles of hot and cold offered by a contrast therapy protocol create a pumping action in the blood and muscles (similar to that produced by a low-intensity workout), whereby oxygen and nutrients are better able to reach the tissues within the body. Combining both hot and cold water immersions has the benefits of reducing swelling and inflammation, improving energy and focus and encouraging relaxation and stress reduction

Mitigate Inflammation and Boost Muscle Recovery

During physical activity, the muscles accumulate lactic acid, potentially leading to muscle soreness following intense exercise.

Coldwater immersion is recognized for its ability to alleviate exercise-induced muscle damage post-workout. Simultaneously, comprehensive contrast bath therapy can significantly contribute to addressing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), typically occurring a day after training, thereby promoting the active recovery of the body.

Research conducted with endurance athletes indicated that exposure to cold reduced the standard inflammatory response, supported anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and facilitated enhanced muscle recovery.

Enhance Cognitive Clarity and Concentration

Experiencing cold triggers a significant surge in norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, attention, and various cognitive functions. Regular users of ice baths report heightened mental tranquility and increased vitality. When coupled with heat therapy, this dual approach can yield enduring positive impacts on the nervous system.

Current research indicates that the breathing techniques employed during cold water immersions help regulate the nervous system, promoting focused attention. These techniques prove highly advantageous when reintroduced during stressful situations, aiding in anxiety relief.

Accumulated Advantages through Consistent Practice

Frequent exposure to cold training can diminish stress, enhance resilience, and reshape the brain to embrace discomfort. A weekly regimen of 57 minutes of heat paired with just 11 minutes of cold is sufficient for these benefits.

Scientifically supported outcomes of this practice include enhanced blood flow and improved blood pressure, particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with cardiovascular disease.

Expanded Range of Motion

The therapy’s heat can alleviate muscle soreness and enhance the range of motion by targeting the reduction of inflammation in both joints and soft tissues throughout the body.

Eases Discomfort and Diminishes Swelling

The warmth of hot water is renowned for its soothing impact on both the body and mind. Immersing yourself in hot water can notably decrease the sensation of pain by relieving tension in the body.

In contrast, colder temperatures are associated with the reduction of swelling, contributing to pain relief by diminishing inflammation and subsequently enhancing the range of motion.

Eliminates Excess Metabolites

Engaging in contrast hydrotherapy, where the entire body is exposed to extreme temperatures, is a popular recovery practice embraced by elite athletes aiming for enhanced post-exercise recovery.

During intense workouts, the accumulation of metabolites in the body is a normal occurrence, contributing to feelings of soreness and fatigue. The pumping effect on blood vessels induced by contrast bath therapy can elevate the body’s capacity to expel metabolites and other toxins, potentially promoting muscle growth.

Pro tip

If strength and size are your primary training goals, research suggests that you should refrain from using cold exposure to aid recovery by at least 4-6 hours after training. This is because cold exposure will blunt the muscular adaptions following strength training necessary for muscle growth.

Try one of our Contrast Therapy Pools protocols

We have combined Contrast Therapy Pools with other equipment into specialized health protocols

Nordic

60 mins

$44

Sauna: 20 min
Contrast therapy: 10 min
Steam room: 20 min
Cold exposure: 1

By actively engaging the body’s thermoregulatory system through a sequence of hot and cold therapies the nordic will work to reduce inflammation, reduce stress and enhance muscle recovery.

Refresh

40 mins

$39

Sauna: 20 min
Contrast therapy: 20 min
Cold exposure: 3

The initial increase in body temperature in the sauna encourages the body to cool itself down through increasing blood flow and heart rate, contributing to cardiovascular conditioning, similar to the effects of moderate exercise. In combination with the traditional sauna, the contrast pools work to constrict (in the cold) and then dilate (in the hot) the blood vessels, creating a pumping like mechanism. These changes in blood flow over a contrast session, stimulates neurogenesis, increases endorphins levels, reduces inflammation, and accelerates muscle recovery.

Nomad

50 mins

$39

Compression: 30 min
Contrast therapy: 20 min

During a 30-minute session in our compression devices, the pulse technology mimics a lymphatic massage optimising lymphatic function to remove built-up waste, reducing muscle soreness and inflammation. Followed by hot and cold pools triggering blood vessel constriction and dilation, enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and aiding muscle recovery.

Recover

40 mins

$39

Steam room: 20 min
Contrast therapy: 20 min

During this protocol, begin by relaxing your muscles and mind in the warm and humid environment of the steam room that will work to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and help you relax and recover. Pair this with the rejuvenating and energising benefits of both contrast therapy and compression which work in combination to alleviate muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, boost blood flow, and foster relaxation – all crucial elements for enhancing overall recovery.

Our locations

How does our contrast therapy Sunshine Coast work?

When you expose yourself to icy water, your muscles tighten, constricting your blood vessels, which causes less blood to travel to injured areas, reducing inflammation and pain. On the other hand, exposing your body to hot water causes your muscles to loosen as it rewarms itself. This leads to your blood vessels widening and allowing a larger volume of blood to flow through them, increasing the efficiency of nutrient and oxygen transportation. Immersing yourself in hot and cold water interchangeably has beneficial effects, such as enhancing your focus, reducing inflammation, relieving muscle soreness, and aiding in muscle recovery.

Book your contrast therapy Sunshine Coast today

For those struggling with tight muscles or inflammation, let’s try contrast therapy. Book your contrast therapy session today on the Sunshine Coast.

Contrast Therapy FAQs

Can’t find the answers? Get in touch with us today, and our team of experts will happily assist.

Where can I book my first contrast therapy appointment on the Sunshine Coast?

TH7 offers contrast therapy at our Noosa wellness centre on the Sunshine Coast. Come and say hello here:

97 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567

Expose your body to new extremes by booking a single contrast therapy session with us today, or explore one of our popular equipment protocols that use contrast therapy alongside other amazing treatments.

How can I book a contrast therapy appointment along the Sunshine Coast?

Booking a contrast therapy appointment with TH7 has never been easier thanks to our online booking system.

To secure your contrast therapy session on the Sunshine Coast, click ‘Book Now‘. Choose your preferred date and time, the size of your booking party, and any optional extras you want. Securely check out through our payment portal and check that your instant confirmation has been delivered to your email inbox.

How much will a contrast therapy appointment cost on the Sunshine Coast?

TH7 offers 20-minute contrast therapy sessions for $25. You can also enjoy the benefits of contrast therapy as part of one of our popular equipment protocols, including Nordic, Refresh, Nomad, and Recover – the price will range from $39 to $44.

What does contrast therapy involve?

Contrast therapy involves alternating between hot and cold treatments to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.

It typically includes switching between a hot environment (like a sauna or hot bath) and a cold one (such as an ice bath or cold shower). This rapid temperature change can help boost your blood flow, decrease muscle soreness, and support recovery. It’s often used by athletes but can be beneficial for anyone looking for reduced inflammation and improved circulation.

At TH7, you’ll use a steam room or sauna session first, before jumping into an ice bath to maximise the pay-off.

How frequently should I book a contrast therapy session?

Most people find two to four contrast therapy appointments to be sufficient for their needs. However, how many contrast therapy appointments you enjoy a week depends on your personal goals and tolerance.

Two to four sessions give your body time to recover between sessions while still enjoying the benefits. Active people and sports professionals might benefit from more sessions throughout the week. If you’re just starting out, you might find it beneficial to start with one appointment a week before increasing the frequency to build up your tolerance. Always listen to how your body is feeling after each session.

Are there many benefits of contrast therapy?

Yes, there are plenty of benefits to contrast therapy! Exposing the body to alternating extreme temperatures creates a pumping effect on the circulatory system, flushing the system of waste and delivering fresh nutrients to the muscles.

Some of the key benefits include:

Reduced muscle soreness, swelling, and joint pain
Quicker recovery after intense exercise
Improve your blood flow and lymphatic drainage
Boosted immune system function
Better mental well-being and clarity

Is contrast therapy a safe recovery protocol?

Yes, contrast therapy is considered safe for healthy adults to use as part of a balanced lifestyle and wellness routine.

As long as you follow recommended session times and temperature guidelines, contrast therapy should be safe and beneficial for the body. To keep yourself safe at the start of your contrast therapy journey, make sure you always listen to your body, keep hydrated, and start off slowly.

People with heart conditions, blood pressure fluctuations, and other health conditions may need to consult a healthcare professional before booking a contrast therapy appointment. If you’re concerned, we recommend erring on the side of caution and speaking to your doctor before booking with TH7.

Will I burn more calories with contrast therapy?

While it’s possible that you might burn slightly more calories while switching between hot and cold therapies, the difference is usually minimal and not a viable alternative to physical exercise and a balanced diet.

You may see a slight increase in the number of calories you burn because the rapid switch between temperatures stimulates the metabolism and activates your brown fat, which burns energy to generate heat. This is especially true during the cold exposure section of contrast therapy. Despite this, the number of calories you’ll burn during contrast therapy isn’t comparable to exercise.

Can I use contrast therapy with any other recovery techniques for better results?

Yes, contrast therapy can be used alongside other recovery treatments such as compression therapy, massage therapy, red light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers.

We offer four equipment protocols that utilise contrast therapy alongside other recovery techniques. These include:

The Nordic Protocol: Includes traditional sauna, contrast therapy, steam room, and cold plunge pools.
The Refresh Protocol: Includes traditional sauna and contrast therapy.
The Nomad Protocol: Includes compression and contrast therapy.
The Recover Protocol: Includes steam room and contrast therapy.

These protocols all work with a different goal in mind, so you can choose what recovery goal you want to focus on.

Is contrast therapy safe to use when pregnant?

No, contrast therapy isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals. There may be potential risks associated with exposing the body to extreme temperatures, affecting both you and your baby.

Contrast therapy often affects the blood pressure, core body temperature, and circulation. These three factors are already heightened in the body during pregnancy, so even minor changes can have bigger consequences. Always talk to your doctor before booking a contrast therapy session if you’re pregnant to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks or not.

View our evidence-based protocols

We use the most up to date research to match protocols with health outcomes.

Engine

Choose your location

Mount Gravatt

1437 Logan Road

Select

Newstead

21 longland street

Select

Noosa

91 Noosa Drive, Noosa, Qld

Select

West End

196 Montague Rd, West End, Qld

Select

Yeerongpilly

26 Queens Way

Select

Cleveland

4-10 Doig Street

Select

DISCLAIMER

We cannot serve you if are: Pregnant, under the age of 16, or seriously ill. If you fit these categories please do not book. Before using our facilities you will be required to sign our liability waiver

TH7 West End

TH7 Noosa

TH7 Yeerongpilly

TH7 Mt Gravatt

TH7 Newstead

TH7 Cleveland

The Nordic Protocol

Sauna