What is the scientific consensus? The RICE method remains the most commonly recommended treatment for soft tissue injuries . However, not all healthcare providers are completely on board. Most support the idea of resting, or immobilizing, an injured body part immediately after an injury.
Is RICE still used in first aid?
RICE – rest, ice, compression, elevation – has been the standard recommended treatment for soft-tissue injuries for many years.
Is the RICE method wrong?
So, today, RICE is not the preferred treatment for an acute athletic injury (36). Based upon the available evidence, the only plausible conclusion is that the use of the RICE technique to accelerate the recovery process is unequivocally a myth .
Is the RICE method still best practice for treating an acute injury?
R.I.C.E. might be the more common acronym taught for immediate treatment of acute injuries, but studies are suggesting it’s not the most effective . Lots of evidence has been found to suggest that rest is detrimental to the healing process.
What is better than the RICE method?
Jim and Phil Wharton in The Wharton’s Stretch Book (4). They suggested the acronym MICE to replace RICE, where Rest is replaced with Movement. The Whartons advocated that once fracture or catastrophic injury is excluded: movement is best, not rest, to treat an injury.
What happens if you ice for more than 20 minutes?
Greater than 20 minutes of icing can cause reactive vasodilation , or widening, of the vessels as the body tries to make sure the tissues get the blood supply they need. Studies have also shown 30 to 40 minutes in between icing sessions are needed to counter this reaction.
Why icing is bad?
Ice can delay healing, increase swelling, and possibly cause additional damage to injured tissues . That should stop you cold.
How long should you do RICE therapy?
Remember, RICE is first aid — not an ongoing treatment.
Note, RICE shouldn’t be used indefinitely. Stop after the first two days , unless otherwise directed by a doctor. If you keep using RICE you may delay the natural inflammation and healing process.
How long should you rice for?
After an injury, you need to rest the injured joint to avoid a delay in healing. Doctors typically recommend that a patient refrain from weight-bearing activities for 24 to 48 hours .
Should I sleep with a compression bandage on?
The bandage should provide a snug compression, but not restrict blood flow. Please remove compression bandages at night while sleeping . for best results. As swelling reduces it may be necessary to adjust compression bandage.
Does compression help healing?
Compression therapy reduces the healing time of chronic wounds by using controlled pressure . The pressure pushes out extra fluid from the area to improve blood flow to the area. This helps to make the wound heal faster.
Does heat promote healing?
By increasing the temperature and improving circulation, heat can relax injured muscles , heal damaged tissues and improve flexibility. Not only can heat calm pain flare-ups, but it is an excellent way to soothe muscle tension, stiffness and even chronic back pain.
What is the New Rice for injuries?
The long-used R.I.C.E. method may not be the best way to treat an acute injury. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation . For many years, physical therapists—as well as athletic trainers, doctors, and sports medicine specialists—have recommended it for managing acute injuries.
What is Rice method in first aid?
Topic Overview. As soon as possible after an injury, such as a knee or ankle sprain, you can relieve pain and swelling and promote healing and flexibility with RICE— Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation . Rest. Rest and protect the injured or sore area.
What happens if you ice too long?
Keeping ice on an injury for too long — more than 20 minutes — can cause tissue damage and injure areas of poor circulation .
Does heat make inflammation worse?
Heat can make inflammation significantly worse . Ice can aggravate symptoms of tightness and stiffness; it can also just make any pain worse when it’s unwanted.
