Sports Rehab: RICER Injury Management

RICER Injury Management

An unfortunate part of leading an active lifestyle is suffering the occasional injury.  Remember immediately following any acute injury follow the rules of RICER (rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral).  Dunsborough Physiotherapy Centre physiotherapists can give you guidance in regard to the Do's and Don'ts following injury as required.

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Rest

Rest:  preferably keep weight off the injured area and limit movement / loading in the first 48 hours post-injury.  At Dunsborough Physiotherapy Centre we stock elbow and axillary crutches for sale / hire.

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Ice

Ice: apply for 10-20 minutes every 3-4 hours as able over the first 48 hours: this will help to limit the effects of vasodilation following injury which leads to excessive bleeding and swelling.

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Compression

Compression: apply a compression bandage, support (as shown), or tubigrip (a form of compression bandage) to limit swelling.  Dunsborough Physiotherapy Centre have these compressive bandages / supports available for sale.

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Elevation

Elevation: elevate the injured area above the level of the heart as able to minimise swelling.  To lie flat is better than sitting or standing in most circumstances.

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Referral

Referral: seek medical advice from your physiotherapist.  We are able to assess the severity of your injury and treat it appropriately.  If scanning is required we can refer you to radiology for x-ray / diagnostic ultrasound.

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