R.I.C.E What When and Why.

What
The RICE acronym is used in treating soft tissue injury (Muscles/Ligaments etc) It decreases the injury recovery time and gets you back and mobile more quickly and more comfortably.

R = Rest: This breaks the cycle of injury, if you continue to use a torn muscle or ligament, the inflammation and swelling and pain will continue to appear
I = Ice: This is to reduce the blood flow to the area, and therefore reduce the amount of swelling bruising and inflammation
C = Compression: Compression decreases the room available for swelling, and also aide to prevent further injury to the structure – sports taping also works well for this.
E = Elevation: Elevation reduces swelling by making it difficult for fluid to pool around the injury because it has to overcome gravity.

When
fluid Its good to apply the RICE acronym as soon as in injury occurs and for up to 5 days after the injury, If pain persists then you MUST see a health professional.

Why
The overall is to reduce pain, and improve recovery time, eliminate further re-injury, reduce swelling and inflammation.

Sometimes Anti-inflammatory medications such as Neurofen and Voltaren are used as a chemical attack against inflammation, they work to stop your brain from feeling pain and they also decrease inflammation.
They must be used as an adjunct to the other methods and intervention by a health care professional, otherwise, you can be unknowingly re-injuring the area, but not be able to feel it because of the medication. This can lead to long term complications and longer healing times.

Sutherland Chiropractic 9521 4448