RUNNING CAN BE TOUGH ON THE BODY,TREAT IT RIGHT!

Cold therapy has a number of benefits in rehabilitation including pain relief, decrease bleeding, reduce inflammation, reduce muscle spasm and decrease metabolic rate.

The reason behind the application of ice resulting in pain relief is not clear. There are many theories and it is possible that a number of the proposed mechanisms in combination can cause pain relief. Some of the possible mechanisms include:

• A decreased nerve transmission in pain fibres
• Cold reduces the activity of free nerve endings
• Cold raises the pain threshold
• Cold causes a release of endorphins
• Cold sensations over-ride the pain sensation - known as the pain gate theory

The R.I.C.E technique involves all the components that are needed to prevent further injury to the damaged site immediately after the injury has been sustained. If applied correctly and in time the R.I.C.E technique can greatly reduce the recovery time of the athlete.  The letters R.I.C.E are abbreviations for:

• R-Rest
• I-Ice
• C-Compression
• E-Elevation

Each component functions to help limit swelling and decrease pain of the injury.