 What is RICE?
The acronym RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. RICE is used as the first treatment for many muscle strains, ligament sprains, or other bruises and injuries. RICE is used immediately after an injury happens and for the first 24 to 72 hours (1-3 days) after the injury. RICE can help reduce the swelling and pain and help you heal faster. What does Rest mean? After an injury, you need to take some time off from your regular activities to allow your body to heal. For example, if you twisted your ankle, you need to not walk around or put weight on your ankle. You should rest the injured body part until it no longer hurts to use it. You should rest the injured body part for at least 1 to 2 days. If the injury is serious, you may need to see a doctor. In these cases, you may need crutches, a splint, or cast and need to rest the injury for an even longer period of time.  Why use heat therapy?
Heat can reduce muscle spasms, reduce joint stiffness, improve local circulation and make soft tissue more limber. Heat can be used to help loosen tight muscles and joints as a warm up before exercise and rehabilitation. For example, you may put moist hot packs on tight leg muscles before running, or on your shoulder before throwing, or on tight neck or back muscles before physical therapy. When should I use heat? Use heat for stiff muscles and joints when you are trying to make them more limber. Do NOT use heat within the first 3 days after an injury (in this case use ice) or while your injury has any swelling because heat increases blood flow and can worsen swelling.  What is therapeutic ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a type of treatment that provides deep heat to tissues. A special machine is used that sends out sound waves at a high frequency. The sound waves generate heat as they go deep into your muscles and soft tissue. The deep heat causes changes in the injured tissue and helps it heal. When is ultrasound used? Ultrasound treatment is used for muscle, overuse, and soft tissue injuries. It is used on deep soft tissue, muscle bruises, and to help break up scar tissue that may have built up due to an injury or surgery. Often it is used along with a physical therapy program of stretches and exercises.  Electrical muscle stimulation (also known as TENS) refers to many types of electrical therapies that are used to relieve pain. It is often called e-stim or EMS for short.
When is it used? Electrical stimulation is often used to reduce pain and promote healing in an injured part of the body by stimulating the muscles. It is often used as part of a physical therapy and/or chiropractic program. How is it used? Electrodes are placed on the skin near the painful area and attached to a machine by wires. Low voltage electrical impulses are delivered to surface nerves in the skin. These impulses can be delivered at variable current strengths, pulse rates and pulse widths. The electrical current overloads the nerves that block the body’s pain signals. It may also help the body release endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. The goal is to try to find the best frequency and intensity to control the pain. |  ArchivesMay 2012 CategoriesAll |
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Chiropractor Atlanta Ga | Accident Medical Specialists
5335 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 (678) 223-3900