The recommended treatment of choice after an injury has been evaluated by a professional
and stabilized is PRICE; protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. This will reduce the risk
for further damage to the injured area and control the rate of bleeding.
The next step is to rest the injured area from the painful or offending activity. This will allow
the body to begin the healing process, and again, prevent further damage from occurring. If the
injured area is not rested, the healing process will be delayed and recovery will be slowed down.
It is also important to note that, depending on the injury, while resting from the offending
activity, active and passive treatment to the injured and surrounding areas is of the utmost
importance. This will allow the speediest rate of recovery. A healthcare practitioner specializing in
neuromusculoskeletal injuries will determine the appropriate treatment.
While the injured area is being protected and rested, ice therapy can begin. This promotes
recovery by helping to reduce inflammation at the site of injury. When blood flow is reduced,
swelling and/or pain are minimized. The recommended time for ice therapy is 10-20 minutes, with
a 20 minute to one hour rest period between treatments, depending on the location of the injury.
Compression can begin to be applied to the injured area. The compression should firmly
lend support to the injured area but should not cut off circulation and/or blood flow.
Finally, the injured area should be elevated approximately 12 inches above the level of the
heart whenever possible. This will aid in venous and lymphatic drainage of the affected region,
helping reduce inflammation.
Everyone that participates in a sports or exercise program should be aware that injuries
sometimes cannot be avoided. The risk of injury can be reduced by properly training and
conditioning to enhance performance and function. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely
remove the risk. There is no such thing as perfection in the tissues of the body so there is
always the chance of overloading a tissue, causing damage. The reality is that injuries will
occur when dealing with sports. They can, however, be prevented from worsening by taking
some precautions. The most important thing to do when an injury occurs is to seek immediate
professional or medical attention and to be evaluated and treated appropriately.