RICE is an acronym for a type of treatment. Doctors usually recommend this treatment when a person has injured a muscle, tendon, or ligament. These are called soft tissue injuries.
RICE stands for:
Rest:
Avoiding use of the injured area. short period of immobilisation is beneficial, but should be limited to the first few days after injury. This allows the scar tissue to connect the injured muscle stumps to withstand contraction-induced forces without re-rupturing. By restricting the length of immobilisation to a period of less than a week, the adverse effects of immobility can be minimised. The meaning of rest is relative to the location of injury but involves functions such as weighbearing or any other strenuous activity involving increasing blood flow to the injuried part.
Ice:
Applying ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables to the area, without them touching the skin directly. Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy reduces tissue metabolism [2] and causes blood vessel constriction. There is limited evidence surrounding appropriate dosage for cryotherapy in acute injury however systematic reviews suggest that 10-minute ice treatments combined with 10-minute periods without ice are most effective[4]. Keep in mind that there is no optimal dosage that will be ideal for all body locations and as a clinician, one should use clinical judgement and consider the specific details of each case.
Compression:
Wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage to provide support, reduce blood flow, and limit swelling. Compression serves to prevent further Oedema (swelling) as a result of the inflammatory process and also by reducing bleeding at the site of tissue damage. It can also serve to provide minimal protection of the injured body part from excessive movement, although this is not it’s primary purpose.
Elevation:
Keeping the area raised above the level of the heart to reduce swelling. Elevation will prevent swelling by increasing venous return to the systemic circulation, and reducing hydrostatic pressure thereby reducing oedema and facilitating waste removal from the site of injury. Ensure that the lower limb is above the level of the pelvis.
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