Rethinking RICE: The Evolution of Treating Acute Injuries
For decades, the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) has been the cornerstone of treating acute injuries in sports and everyday life. Coined by Dr. Gabe Mirkin in 1978, this method aimed to reduce swelling, ease pain, and expedite the healing process. However, in a surprising turn, Dr. Mirkin, the very proponent of this approach, has since revised his stance on the use of ice, sparking a significant shift in how we view injury recovery today.