PRICE - in the treatment of injuries
The origin of PRICE is not attributed to a single individual, but rather has evolved over time as a common practice in sports medicine.
PRICE stands for:
Protection (Protection)
Avoid further damage by protecting the damaged area
Restitution (Rest)
Limiting movement of the damaged area can help prevent the injury from worsening.
Refrigeration (Ice)
Cooling/using an ice pack is an important part of the acute treatment and helps with the following:
- Reduces swelling: The cold from the ice causes the blood vessels to contract (vasoconstriction), which reduces blood flow to the damaged area and thus decreases the swelling.
- Relieves pain: Cold dampens nerve activity, which reduces the pain sensation.
- Reduces inflammation: The inflammatory reaction resulting from the injury may become less intense with the use of ice, as chemical reactions generally proceed more slowly in colder temperatures.
Ice should be applied for periods of 15-20 minutes, then 15-20 minutes without. Remember; always with a protective layer between the ice and the skin to prevent frostbite.
Compression
Compression is the most important thing. This is more important than icing down.
Analogy: In a car accident, and a bleeding must be stopped. The paramedics thankfully don't come with an ice pack...
Compression is used to:
- Reducing swelling: By applying pressure to the damaged area, blood flow to the area can be reduced and thus reduce swelling.
- Support and stabilize: Compression can provide support to the damaged tissue and help stabilize, which can prevent further damage.
It is important to put on a support bandage and as soon as possible. Not too loose, but not too tight either. Leave it on for 48 hours (feel free to take it off when showering, but reapply immediately afterwards)
Elevation (Elevation)
Elevation is used to reduce swelling and promote healing.
