If you’ve ever gone to the doctor after a bad ankle sprain, chances are your doctor recommended the RICE protocol. RICE is an acronym standing for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. While the acronym is easy to remember and simple to follow, it has begun to fall out of favor due to a new protocol showing better results for healing! This new and improved acronym for the management of an acute injury is POLICE, which stands for protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, and elevation.
The RICE and POLICE protocols are generalized guidelines for acute injuries with the goal of pain management and injury healing. Most practitioners are now leaning toward the POLICE approach as it includes advocating for early mobilizations and moderate activity which has been shown to improve healing outcomes. Of the two, the POLICE protocol is the most aligned with current research but there are other protocols for an acute injury that have become more popular in recent years including the PEACE protocol and the LOVE protocol (silly, I know). It is important to note that these protocols are meant for mild-moderate acute injury and should not be generalized as a treatment approach for all injuries across the board (Seek immediate medical help for serious injuries).
The protective component of the protocol is an important aspect that was overlooked with the RICE protocol. Certain injuries such as an ankle sprain or low back strain may continue to get re-aggravated and take forever to heal if they aren't protected by a brace or support. It's important to recognize that immobilization of an injured joint can be imperative initially to promote healing without re-injury but it is equally as important to optimally load the joint as soon as possible in a recovery program to improve healing outcomes. Prolonged periods of immobilization can lead to muscle atrophy and lead to harmful changes in the healing tissues so a brace should never be a long-term fix. In most cases of musculoskeletal injuries, it is important to get the patient to start going through pain-free active range of motion a few times a day or as much as tolerated to prevent muscle wasting and weakness.
So remember P.O.L.I.C.E. over R.I.C.E.