What is R.I.C.E.?

R.I.C.E. THERAPY DEFINITION:

Rice is one of the most recommended first aid therapeutic treatments for most musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and strains. It is a method to treat injuries and it stands for: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. It is important to treat any injury as soon as possible to control swelling and to increase the recovery time. This is the purpose for the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation therapy.  R.I.C.E treatments will decrease pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, swelling and tissue damage.

REST:

It is important after an acute injury to rest the affected area much as possible but not a completely inactivity of the affected area because this is not good for the mobility of this area. It is important to respect rest for a faster recovery. Rest is vital to protect the injured muscle, tendon, ligament or other tissue from further injury. Resting the injured part is important to promote effective healing.

Have you ever wondered whether you should apply heat or ice to a new injury? Have the doctors ever mentioned R.I.C.E.? Ever wondered what that meant? As an often injured patient since childhood either from playing sports or my numerous accident prone tendencies and car accidents... I too have often been told ICE, ICE, ICE! So here is a quick look at how to treat acute injuries and what R.I.C.E. really means!

ICE:

Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is the application of cold as a therapeutic application. This cold provides the blood vessel followed by a reflective vasodilation (dilation of a blood vessel), this reduces the swelling and inflammation. It also numbs the affected area to reduce pain and muscle spasms.

Negative Effects
- Decrease in local metabolism
- Low enzymatic activity
- Less oxygen consumption
- Reduced flexibility because cold provides stiffness and reduced elasticity of the connective tissue of the muscles

Positive effects
- Decreases the amount of bleeding by vasoconstriction (constriction of a blood vessel) into the injury site and so lessens swelling
- Reduces pain
- Reduces muscle spasm

Apply ice for 15 a 20 minutes 2 a 3 times a day and this in the first 48 hours after the injury. The ice must be wrapped in a wet towel or cloth because when applied directly to the surface,  it can cause injuries of the superficial nerves or skin (burn).

Ice VS Heat
First should ice should be used, but once the swelling has gone down, heat also has an effect on the injury. It increases the circulation, relaxes muscle tension, reduces joint stiffness, and prepares tissues for rehabilitation.

COMPRESSION:

Compression of the injured area helps to immobilize and protect the joint and also reduces swelling. Ace bandages, braces, and  taping methods are often  used as compression devices.

• Note: When the compression is too tight it can hinder the blood circulation and it can hurt or throb; this can cause swelling below the affected area, numbness, tingling, increased pain or coolness.

ELEVATION:

The injured area must immediately put higher preferably above the level of the heart, so works the gravity in the advantage of the patient. Because the pressure in the injured area is reduced, this will reduce pain and blood flow toward the injury, positive is that the veins transport blood with waste products flows to the heart which helps the recovery of the tissue.

References

1. ↑KENNETH L. KNIGHT, 1995, Cryotherapy in sport injury management, Human Kinetics, Champaign, 273p.
2. ↑ F. MICHAEL GLOTH, 2011 , Handbook of pain relief in older adults: an evidence-based approach, second edition, New York, Humana Press, 210p.
3. ↑ Louise Roach, What is rice?, [online] Topend Sports, The Sport and Science Resource. Perth, Australia. Available from: http://www.topendsports.com/medicine/rice.htm
4. ↑RICE,[online] Univeristy of Iowa Hospitals and clinics, Iowa. Available from: http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/prepareemergencies/prep4922.html
5. ↑ RICE, Sports injury clinic. Available from: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cold_therapy/cold_therapy.php

Doyle Chiropractic Clinic serves the communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville, and Lake Forest Park. Drs David Arthur and Suzie Shay have a combined 30 years of experience treating injuries related to car accidents, work, sports and Pediatrics. Please visit our website, www.bothellfamilychiropractic.com and our Facebook page facebook/doylechiropracticclinic