RICE and Thermotherapy Flashcards
When is Rest important?
Most important thing post-acute injury
First 24-48 hours post-injury critical treatment period
What happens without Rest?
Continual strain is placed on the area, leading to increased inflammation, pain, and possible further injury.
Most soft tissue injuries will take longer to heal.
Risk of abnormal repair or chronic inflammation.
Benefits of Rest?
Total inactivity decreases blood flow to the area, reducing the amount of metabolic waste at the site of injury.
What are the benefits of Ice?
As a vasoconstrictor, it decreases/inhibits bleeding.
Decreases local tissue metabolism (damaged tissues produce pain-producing substances).
Neutralises local histamine, a vasodilator increasing vascular permeability.
Decreases muscle spasm by decreasing the sensitivity of the muscle stretch receptor system.
Elevates the threshold of pain-transmitting nerves.
How should Ice be administered?
Specific ice packs placed onto injured site for 10-15 minutes.
Once area is cooled to bearable levels, remove ice pack and replace in freezer.
Once injured site has warmed up naturally, reapply the ice.
Repeat the process several times over 24-48 hour period.
What are the benefits of ice baths post-exercise?
Reduced inflammation and the flushing of metabolic debris from muscles.
What precautions are there for Ice?
Frostbite Compromised/poor circulation Diabetes Cold sensitivity Avoidance of prolonged use (after 20-30 minutes, blood flow to area can INcrease)
What are the benefits of Compression?
Reduction of oedematous swelling resulting from the inflammatory process.
Some swelling is inevitable but too much results in significant loss of function, excessive pain and eventual slowing of blood flow through vessel restriction.
How should Compression be administered?
Although the wrap should be snug, make sure it isn’t too tight as this can cause numbness, tingling, or increased pain.
What are the benefits of Elevation?
Reduced swelling through the drainage of excess fluid.
Reduced blood flow to the injured site, reducing swelling.
How is Elevation administered?
Raise the injured area above the heart.
Elevate the site at 45 degrees of more at intervals during the first 24 hours post-acute injury.
Thermotherapy?
Chronic presentations and promoting blood flow to a region.
Direct heat, e.g., warm water, or infra-red lamps.
Heat increases elasticity of collagen fibres in connective tissue.
