Related Terms

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Background

• R.I.C.E. treatment is an acronym for: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It is commonly used to speed up healing and reduce pain and swelling caused by mild-to-moderate injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises. More severe injuries may require medication and/or surgery.
• Sprains refer to tearing or stretching of the ligaments that connect joints to bones. Strains are tears or stretches to the muscle tendons. These injuries often occur during high-impact or high-intensity sports, such as cheerleading, dancing, skiing, wrestling, baseball, and basketball. Bruising occurs when blood vessels break, spilling blood into the tissues and turning the tissues a purplish or other dark color.
• R.I.C.E. treatment is a commonly used and generally accepted treatment by medical professionals, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), American Academy of Family Physicians, National Athletic Trainers' Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend this treatment for mild-to-moderate sprains and strains that do not require medical attention.
• Some patients may administer R.I.C.E. treatment without medical supervision, or they may seek medical advice on how the treatment is carried out.
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Technique

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Theory/Evidence

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Safety

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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