RICE?
As soon as possible after an injury, such as a knee or ankle sprain, you can relieve pain and swelling and promote healing and flexibility with RICE:
- Rest,
- Ice,
- Compression, and
- Elevation
A good rule of thumb is to apply COLD to an acute injury. These injuries are typically sudden and may be accompanied by sharp pain. Using COLD may help:
- Reduce swelling and muscle spasms
- Alleviate Headaches
- Soothe after sports or workouts
HEAT can play a key role in relieving pain and discomfort for chronic conditions such as arthritis. Using HEAT may help:
- Relax muscles and provide comfort for cramping
- Soothe arthritic/aching joints
- Relax tight backs