Management
of Acute Soft tissue Sports Injuries Aims of the treatment
•
To prevent further tissue damage • To initially reduce swelling
and later assist in the removal of swelling • To ease pain • To prevent loss of joint
range of motion
Therefore the initial treatment
should follow the 'RICER' regime
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Referral
The first 48 hours are vital in
the management of any soft tissue injury. Appropriate
management here can prevent excessive time spent on the
sideline. The RICER regime should be used for all ligament
strains, muscle strains, haemotoma's and in fact any bumps
and bruises that occur through sporting pursuits.
Ligament repair with and without
'RICER' management and early mobilisation:
