What is R.I.C.E?
R.I.C.E by Stefano Manassero NMT/Physical Therapist
R- REST =
Rest the affected structure from offending activities.
In some mild injuries "active rest" is reccomended, for example if an athlete has an ankle sprain he could certainly not run on it, but he could still benefict from the use of a stationary bicycle so keeping his fitness while recovering.
I-ICE =
Ice to: decrease temperature and inflammation
reduce tissue metabolism
stop circulation and swelling
momentarily increase stiffness and pain
Ice and gel packs are very effective. Chemical ice packs are not as effective but can be useful in emergency cases because they are easily stored. Ice sprays work only momentarily as the freezing cold hits the skin taking the focus of the brain away from the pain - very useful during a match (soccer, gaelic, rugby…)
C-COMPRESSION = it contains swelling, it provides support.
Different types of compression bandages are available on the market. “Tubigrip” is a sock-like version which does not require special training to use, and it comes in many sizes. Make sure the bandage is not so tight as to stop circulation (check for skin colour, pale or blue skin means the bandage is too tight).
E-ELEVATION = the injured structure should be elevated above level of the heart to facilitate drainage. because of gravity all the fluids go towards earth, for that reason it is not unusual to see bruising of the calf muscle after a Hamstring injury, or bruising of the foot after a sprained ankle.
M.I.C.E
M-MOBILISATION = after 48 hours depending on the gravity of the injury controlled movement is necessary for re-alignment of fibres.
Total rest in this phase of repair is not a good idea.
I-CE, C-OMPRESSION and E-LEVATION should be maintained up to the fifth day after injury.
Comments
How many days after Injury should i stop Rice?
Hi i am qualified in Sport Massage but i never delt with acute injuries before, one of my clients has a sprained ankle and his physio told him to stop Rice after 1 week while i was told in my course to stop after 5 days and another friend of mine told me up to 2 weeks, so i am a bit confused.
Can you clarify that for me?
How many days After Injury
Hi there,
to tell you the truth you are all right as it depends on the gravity of the injury, usually should be for no more then 5 days, then if safe you should apply MICE M= Mobilitation, 2 weeks seems to be a very long time as we all think too much rest may actually slow down healing time infact some people think you should start walking on it almost immediately after injury but i don't fully agreed to that either as some injuries can be quite difficult and some individuals are more delicate then other and for that reason i think you should stay on the safer side to avoid complication later on.
How many days After Injury
Thank you for the reply, the College where i did my training wasn't very helpful with this question, should i contact the client Physiotherapist? I was told they are not in favour of Sport Massage therapists or Neuromuscular/ Physical therapists.
How many days after injury
Nonsense!
I worked with many Physiotherapists and still do and never had a problem.
Physiotherapists are well trained and have a better knowledge of anatomy and physiology then many of us do also they are very good in the diagnosis of injuries, so if i was you i would try to get in touch with him or at least introduce yourself by letter , we can complement each other rather then antagonize each other, we are generally better from a 'hands on' point of view then physiotherapist and they are much better in the assessment and diagnosis of injuries also they can prescribe an exercise program for the patient which will help the patiente to heal quicker and better.
Don’t forget there are many bad physiotherapists but I know for a fact there are many bad massage therapists.