RICE THERAPY AND EXERCISE THERAPY
RICE therapies are used for muscle injuries. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
REST
A.Take it easy; eliminate abuse; reduce regular exercise or activities of daily living as needed, but do not eliminate them.
B.Change activity or components of activity; for example, change running to walking.
C.Stop sports; restrict squatting, kneeling, and repetitious bending.
D.Limit weight bearing; immobilize with crutches for partial weight bearing.
ICE
A.Use cold in the acute phase of the injury (first 72 hours) to reduce pain and swelling.
B.Use cold in the form of ice in a plastic bag or even use frozen peas in a bag.
C.Apply cold four to eight times a day for 20 minutes at a time, with 45 to 60 minutes between applications.
COMPRESSION
Avoid trying to provide support with elastic bandages; a brace, overlap taping, or a cast may be needed.
ELEVATION
A.Elevate the joint above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
B.Apply cold compresses while the joint is elevated.
EXERCISE THERAPY
A.Begin exercise therapy after initial 48-hour period if pain and swelling begin to resolve.
B.Do gentle range-of-motion exercises several times a day within limits of pain for 7 to 10 days after knee ligament strain.
C.Exercise after 6 minutes of icing to take advantage of the cold’s numbing effect.
D.Start with nonresistive, non–weight-bearing exercises.
E.Use exercises that improve range of motion and strength.
F.Maintain fitness of the extremity.
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