Date:Not Recorded
Description:The Vichy Douche was first introduced at the Royal Pump Rooms in 1926. During treatment the patient was sprayed with warm water at high pressure to stimulate the skin. This was combined with massage and excercises, which loosened the muscles and improved circulation. The temperature was usually 97/98 degrees farenheit with a pressure of 4 to 6 pounds per sqaure inch. The towel hanging from above was to protect the patient's face from the water. Treatment lasted approximately 20 minutes and was followed by wrapping the patient in warm towels, then sending them to lie down in the cool room of the Hammam. Vichy Douche was used to treat the whole body for general aches and pains or generalised osteoarthritis. The treatment bench in the photograph is made of wood, but later benches were made of concrete in the Royal Pump Rooms workshops. A concrete Vichy Douche slab is also in the collections of Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum.
The timeline shows resources around this location over a number of years.
Paul Sandby (1730-1809) The Entrance Of Warwick Castle From The Lower Court Ink ...
J. Walker Soho, Staffordshire, 1 September 1798 Ink on paper 190mm x 235mm A landscape ...
Print by John Preston Neale (c.1771 - 1847) Offchurchbury Engraved by W. Radclyffe, ...
Leamington Grand Steeplechase, 1837, Plate 1 This is one of a series of four colour ...
Black and white photograph by Walden Hammond of The Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington ...
A portrait of Alice Willes c.1880-1910.
Portrait of S T Wackrill A photograph of S. T. Wackrill sitting at his writing desk ...
A photograph of James Broadbridge Banwell in his army uniform, c.1918. The reverse ...
A photographic portrait of Lesley Harry Lock of the 8th Army in his uniform, c. ...
A black and white photograph inside the Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, by the ...
Black and white photograph, 1975. View of the Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, ...
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Donor ref:LEAMG : M3535.1990.28 (69/18648)
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