Don’t use RICE, Call the P.O.L.I.C.E instead
Ever heard of RICE for acute sports injuries?
Well DO NOT use RICE.
Recent evidence (Vuurberg et al 2018) has shown that using only one of the components of Rice (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) for an acute lateral ankle sprain does not have any significant positive effect on pain, swelling and function.
Recommendations from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine (2010) published their more up-to-date acronym of PRICE adding in protection at the start of RICE and suggested that a period of unloading is important initially to help reduce pain, swelling, inflammation and further injury.
But even PRICE is now outdated and researchers (Bleakley, Glasgow and MacAuley 2011) are suggesting POLICE (Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation) as a better combined method of managing soft tissue injuries.
The important add on here is the use of Optimal Loading instead of Rest. “Optimal Loading means replacing rest with a balanced and incremental rehabilitation programme where early activity encourages early recovery.” (Bleakley et al 2011).
So if you’ve had a recent injury, call on the use of the acronym P.O.L.I.C.E and remember that Optimally Loading the injured area is important to recovery.
If you have had a soft tissue injury it’s always best to seek a professional’s opinion. Here at advance Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic we are all Chartered Physiotherapists trained in the best management of sports injuries.
Call us to learn more about returning to your sport after an injury 028 9266 1435 or contact us on our website
References
Vuurberg et al. 2018. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF ANKLE SPRAINS: UPDATE OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED CLINICAL GUIDELINE.
Bleakley et al. 2010. Management of acute soft tissue injury using protection reset ice compression and elevation: recommendations from the association of chartered physiotherapists in sports and exercise medicine.
Bleakley et al. 2011. PRICE needs updating, should we call the POLICE. Note: blog title has been referenced on this excellent article.