As part of his exclusive injury clinic for FourFourTwo Performance, Bolton Wanderers' head physio Andy Mitchell explains the RICE protocol. Check out the video for full details but here's the brief overview...
R is for Rest
"It's vital rest is undertaken for first part of the healing process to occur. Minimal weight bearing or stress should be put through the damaged area for 48-72 hours. Rest enables the inflammatory process to kick in – the injured area will start healing and swelling will be limited."
I is for Ice
"Reduces the blood flow and the influx of the painful chemicals and toxins to the injured area. Also helps to reduce pain levels. Should be used for 15-20 minutes, every two hours in the first 48-72 hours."
C is for Compression
"By applying a tight bandage or support you are physically reducing the space for swelling to occur. If you don’t do this the blood will ‘pool’ around the damaged area resulting in a painful swelling. Compression is possibly the single best thing to do. Bandaging or a compressive support to be worn all the times except when icing if it can be tolerated."
E is for Elevation
"If your leg is elevated it’s really hard for blood to congregate (pool) – around the effected area, thus reducing swelling. This should be done as much as possible in the first 48-72 hours."
See also:
Anterior cruciate ligament rehab
Medial collateral ligament rehab
Treating a medial collateral ligament tear
Hamstring pull or strain rehab
Treating a hamstring pull or strain
Injury clinic: cartilage tear of knee
Injury clinic: cartilage tear of knee rehab
Injury clinic: twisted ankle
Injury clinic: twisted ankle rehab
Injury clinic: groin strain
Injury clinic: groin strain rehab
