<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> RICE </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> RICE is a mnemonic for four elements of treatment for soft tissue injuries--an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation . The mnemonic was introduced by Gabe Mirkin in Sportsmedicine Book (ISBN 978 - 0316574365) in year 1978 . However, he has since recanted his support for the regimen . On March 16, 2014, he wrote "Coaches have used my' RICE' guideline for decades, but now it appears that both Ice and complete Rest may delay healing, instead of helping . In a recent study, athletes were told to exercise so intensely that they developed severe muscle damage that caused extensive muscle soreness . Although cooling delayed swelling, it did not hasten recovery from this muscle damage ." </P> <P> RICE is considered a first - aid treatment, rather than a cure for soft tissue injuries . The aim is to manage discomfort and internal bleeding . </P>

With regard to the treatment of sports injuries the protocol rice stands for