200 Training and Sports Related Injuries
Treatments for Training-Related Injuries
Sudden, traumatic, or acute injuries to the musculoskeletal tissue quickly result in
inflammation, a process characterized by localized warmth, swelling, redness and pain. If
left unchecked, however, the inflammatory process rapidly leads to:" Tissue congestion.
" Stiffness.
" Weakness.
" Decreased range of motion.
" Loss of normal function.
A highly successful Sports Medicine approach to accelerate the healing of any
injury is to first decrease the inflammatory process (swelling, pain and warmth), and then
increase the range of motion at the joint. RICE and ISE are the approaches used to achieve
these goals.RICE = Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation
After decreasing inflammation by RICE, range of motion at the joint is achieved through
continued use of ice (I), stretching of the injured ligament or tendon (S), and weight bearing
exercises (E).ISE = Ice, Stretching, & Exercise
Reduce Inflammation
RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is appropriate for all strains and sprains.
In general, if an operator cannot bear weight on the extremity, rest is indicated and x-rays
to rule out a fracture should be completed as soon as practical." “REST” means applying no weight or only partial weight to the extremity;
crutches should be used for locomotion. “Relative Rest” means decreasing
activities that cause pain and replacing them with other activities that are
pain-free." “ICE” means applying ice. This should continue until swelling has
stabilized.