ACUTE INJURY MANAGEMENT

What you do in the first 48 hours after sustaining an injury actually has significant bearing on the overall outcome. Assuming there is no bone damage, these are the key rules to follow to effectively manage your injury prior to seeing your physiotherapist. Following these rules will allow your body to heal itself much quicker and much more effectively. The old acronym of R.I.C.E should really be re-ordered to C.R.I.E to better reflect the importance of each of the components of acute injury management:

COMPRESSION

The use of bandaging (or tubigrip) to compress the injury site is the most powerful way to limit swelling.

REST

Relative rest from any activity involving the injured site is important for the first 48 hours. Resumption of gentle movement after this point will then aid in the recovery process.

ICE

Applying ice (ice pack/frozen bag of peas, wrapped in a moist towel) for 20 minute periods as often as possible will cool the injured site, helping to manage pain and further limiting swelling

ELEVATION

Keeping the injured body part above the level of your heart also helps to prevent swelling

The clear aim of the C.R.I.E. protocol is to reduce the swelling and inflammation that follows an acute injury of any kind. It is then important to see your Physiotherapist to accurately assess which structures have been damaged and guide you through the appropriate rehabilitation to ensure a quick and safe return to activity.

Feel free to contact the friendly Hartwell Physios on 9889 3903 should you require further advice.