Friday, November 25, 2022

RICE and PRICE

 

I believe in ice therapy. Ice reduces pain and swelling, prevents inflammation after a fall, and might cancel the need to go to the ER. I sometimes apply ice even when logic tells me warmth will be more effective. Logic tells one thing, experience tells another. In certain cases it's possible to have both, alternate cold and warm for the best result.

Of course, one has to be patient and careful about applying ice, in order to avoid frostbite (caused by ice applied directly on the skin),  allergies, or worsen existing pain. Icing session between intervals, should be limited to  10- 20 minutes to avoid tissue damage.

I keep several cold gel packs in the freezer, and that serves me well. I've seen on Amazon site ,though, some devices for knee and shoulder ice therapy, that might be worth buying, just in case.

My first major use of ice occured several years ago after I fell  on my arm, on the pavement. and got my right shoulder badly hurt.  I decided not to lose  time by going to get medical help, but reach home, and start immediately applying ice  to reduce the throbbing pain and prevent inflammation.

I went to the doctor  two weeks after the fall, pain free and able to use my right arm, though with some degree of restriction. The ultrasound revealed only a tiny fissure for which I was prescribed physiotherapy for four weeks, twice a week.

Back to the title of the post - two wise little words indicating  at-home treatment for injuries:

RICE = rest, ice, compression, elevation ;  PRICE = protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation.


46 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks, Catarina. It's more a matter of experience, rather than of wisdom.

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  2. We keep gel packs for such situations too. Combined with heat treatment really helps!

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    1. It takes time and patience, but in the end it definitely helps.

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  3. I also believe we know our own bodies best and simple procedures sometimes outweigh the most expensive. ICE therapy does work. You are wise.

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    1. Yes, it does work, and it can replace meds and even surgery.

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  4. Replies
    1. Taking the right precautions, applying ice on an injury proves to be the right advice.

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  5. Replies
    1. Yes, Janice, it's good to know about the benefits of ice. We've got ice at home , and can help ourselves quickly when in pain.

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  6. I'm a nurse and we often pass on that same info to people who call the office. It works!

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    1. Very important info, especially when coming from you as a nurse and medical expert!

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  7. Replies
    1. Sure it is. I got it from my beloved mother may she rest in peace!).

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  8. That good post and it's correct re ice packs.
    You were very lucky when you fell that you didn't break a bone or two...glad the ice packs fixed the problem with rest of the area too...keep well Duta.

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    1. The hit was directly on the shoulder, and the pain was immense. The ice packs fixed it, but not immediately; it took some time.

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  9. A good example off how we can listen to our bodies and know what is best for ourselves :) and the power of touch is important too, why else do we touch/stroke and comfort a part of our body that hurts

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    1. Exactly. Listening to our body will give us the clue as to the best way to heal the part that hurts.

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  10. Good to know. I will have to put this in my notes. I hope you are doing well and glad you have those ice packs, too.

    Thanks for your comments. Thanks for beng here.

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    1. The ice packs are a real treasure. I wish to buy the cold spray used by sportsmen, but at the pharma it's expensive.

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  11. Good advice. Doing the right thing will prevent matter from getting worse.

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    1. As I mentioned in my reply to the previous comment, I wish to add to my cryo 'arsenal' also the cold spray used by sportsmen after they get hurt. This spray does wonders; it helps immediately.

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  12. I have several gel ice packs and other kinds of ice packs in the freezer for different reasons. One being in case I need an ice pack for pain. Another are ice bricks to keep things cold in the refrigerator in case the power goes out.

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  13. Boa tarde e bom sábado minha querida amiga. Obrigado por dividir conosco suas experiências com gelo. Obrigado pela visita e carinho.

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    1. It's an experience definitely worth sharing, Luiz!

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    1. Agree. We may call it lots of names: tool, device, means, way. They all mean the same - ice is beneficial.

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  15. Well, RICE sums up the steps taken to treat an injury at home (usually regarding the leg) - rest, applying ice, compression (with an elastic sock), elevation (of the leg).

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  16. Happy you weren't hurt worse, DUTA. My son-in-law is an MD, and I've heard RICE from him. Your advice is good. Hope you are doing well.

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    1. Yes, it could have been much worse. I could hardly stand up after the fall, and there was no one around to help me. I believe I did the right thing getting home to start the ice treatment.

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  17. I too have used both RICE and Price with success. I am glad that fall was not worse for you.

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    1. Thanks. It was a terrible fall; luckily, it took some time, but, thank God, I got out of it with minimal damage.

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  18. Uma excelente tarde de terça-feira com muita saúde e paz minha querida amiga Duta.

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  19. Goodness, that fall could have been worse!

    Yes, ice often works so well ...

    Thank you for your last paragraph:
    "RICE = rest, ice, compression, elevation ; PRICE = protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation." A good way to remember and action.

    All the best Jan

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    1. The two words Rice and Price serve us well in that they help us remember the essential steps in home treatment of injuries.

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  20. Sometimes home treatments and what’s referred to as old-fashioned remedies work well. And, of course, are less costly than a doctor visit. Thanks for the useful advice, Duta.

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    1. There are some home treatments I haven't done for ages, but I know they work. On of them - cupping therapy (placing of special glass cups on the back), and the other is enema (introducing warm water) into the rectum).

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  21. That's the first time I've heard of PRICE, good to learn. RICE has been my first aid go to for a long time, has never let me down.

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    1. The P in Price stands for protection of the wound or specific hurt part. before proceeding with ice.

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  22. Boa tarde minha querida amiga Duta. Passando para desejar um excelente mês de dezembro.

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  23. Roads become quite slippery in winter. Take care.

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  24. I recently heard of that `RICE` as well and followed that when I thought I may have twisted my ankle (after dancing in high heels just before Simcha Torah!), thankfully the swelling went away that night and I was able to dance joyfully and celebrate! I like the `Price` too and would like to `double` the `P` and add `PRAYER`!!

    Glad to hear your testimony of injuries that healed. I will add another `P` for `PRAISE`!! Praise God for He is the one who made us `Perfectly and wonderfully made` (as the Psalmist writes) and who heals us !!! So many P`s!!
    Blessings and a good week to you Dear Duta!❤️

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    1. Well' dancing on heels invites trouble, but God heals. I'm with you for adding a double P for Pray and Praise God.

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