R.I.C.E. Sprains and Strains with Cryotherapy Braces
Sprains and strains, while they can be quite painful, are fairly common injuries that can be treated at home. Healthcare professionals recommend utilizing the R.I.C.E. method to help reduce pain and swelling as well as promote quick healing and flexibility.
R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
● Rest: Rest and protect the injured area. Take a break from any activity that may have caused your injury and keep unnecessary stress off of the affected area.
● Ice: Applying ice or cold packs will reduce pain and swelling. Try to apply a cold pack as quickly as possible after injury, and continue to ice for 10-20 minutes, 3 or more times per day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as this could damage nerves. Either use a cold pack that is specially designed for skin contact, or place a towel between the ice and your skin.
● Compression: Compression will help decrease swelling in the affected area. Proper compression increases blood flow and promotes healing. Pneumatic compression is a safe and effective option if available, but an elastic bandage or wrap can also be effective, though be sure not to wrap too tightly or too loosely.
● Elevation: Elevate the injured area as much as possible, ideally while applying cold therapy and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to minimize swelling.
Our cryotherapy braces are designed with the RICE Method in mind, and using them after an injury is often the most efficient and safe way to treat pain and swelling and promote quicker healing.We offer cryo braces for multiple body areas and injury types, including ankle, back, shoulder, knee, and hip. Each are designed to REST the injured area by offering stable support; ICE the area with safe, reusable cold therapy packs; and COMPRESS the injured area with pneumatic compression and/or adjustable straps. While it is up to the patient to elevate the injured area, the convenience of an all-in-one brace makes it easy to comfortably rest and elevate the affected area.
Contact a Precision sales representative to learn more about our line of cryotherapy braces.
