A review of the initial management of soft tissue sports injuries

Summary 

Soft tissue injuries comprise the majority of sports injuries. Nursing plays a key role in the initial management of these, which has traditionally adhered to the standard initial intervention of rest, ice, compression and elevation, acronym RICE. Although this is generally accepted to be the gold standard of initial management, closer scrutiny reveals inconsistencies in practice during the implementation of the four elements that this comprises, with potential detrimental effects to the patient.

This paper reviews the literature to ascertain the optimum management to produce best patient outcomes in light of immediate and subsequent pathophysiology of sports injury. Additionally, suggestions for further study will be made within the recommendations for practice.

Keywords: Soft tissue injury, Sports injury, Sprain, Strain