RICE therapy is a acronym that stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. It is the standard treatment for the first 2-3 days following many acute injuries, such as sprains. It is intended expedite the recovery process by decreasing pain and swelling.
Causes of Rice Therapy
Resting the injured part of the body may involve decreased weight bearing or splinting. By allowing the injured body part to rest, pain is reduced, further injury is avoided and the healing process may be accelerated. Ice can provide pain relief to a sore area. By decreasing the blood flow through the area, it can also help to control the leakage of fluid from blood and lymphatic vessels that cause swelling. When first applying ice to an injured area, it is typically recommended to use it for about 15 minutes at a time. It should be frequently reapplied during the first couple of days. Compressing an injured area not only helps to squeeze fluid out any swelling, it also helps to prevent further swelling from accumulating. Ace wraps are frequently used for this purpose. In order to force fluid out of an injured extremity, it is important to wrap the area distally to proximally, that is, from the farthest point of the body to the closest. The wrap should be snug but not uncomfortable. If the wrap is too tight, it might impair normal circulation to the extremity. Similar to compression, elevation helps to decrease swelling. It is most useful when the involved area is maintained at a level above the heart. This facilitates drainage of blood and lymphatic fluid back towards the heart. By decreasing swelling, pain is frequently decreased.
Signs and Symptoms of Rice Therapy
Signs and symptoms associated with injuries include swelling, pain and decreased ability to use the part of the body that is injured. Should the swelling become severe enough, it may become associated with alteration of normal blood flow to the area. Not only can this lead to further pain and swelling, but it may also compromise the tissue that is injured.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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