Sports Injuries and Swelling

What is one of the the best things you can do for most sports injuries immediately afterward? ⠀

⠀

Control swelling! But how is that best done? ⠀

The most effective approach involves the RICE principle:⠀ ⠀

R = Rest. Avoid excessive activity/movement while that body part recovers, and your body tries to heal. This may include using crutches or another assistive device if the injury is in your lower body and you cannot walk without a limp. ⠀

⠀

I = Ice. Cold helps stop more swelling from happening, which is a good thing if swelling gets out of control. It’s also a wonderful pain reliever. However, swelling in general is a normal and appropriate response of the body to bring in healing properties to the injured/damaged tissue. So, some swelling is good for you! We just don’t want to see it get out of control and unmanaged. ⠀

⠀

C = Compression. To help your body get rid of excess swelling (particularly in the extremities) wrapping it in some form of compression bandage (like an ACE bandage or compression sleeve) helps push the swelling back towards your lymphatic system, which can then dispose of it.⠀

⠀

E = Elevate. Let gravity do it’s thing and help your compression wrap get that old swelling out of the injury area. Of course this is best done with elevating the limb above the level of your heart, like lying down (shown). ⠀

⠀

One of our clinic’s favorite and most used tools is the GameReady system, which allows us to apply cold and compression at the same time. Next time you or a family member has a sports injury that swells, give us a call to help get you back to the sport or activity you love!⠀

⠀

————————-⠀

We help active people in the greater Minneapolis area recover from pain and injury so they can return to the activities they love and live life without limitations!