During which phase of injury is R.I.C.E commonly used?

R.I.C.E., which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, is primarily utilized during the acute inflammation phase of an injury. This phase typically occurs immediately following an injury and is characterized by pain, swelling, redness, and heat as the body responds to the trauma.

During this time, the body's natural healing response kicks in, and applying R.I.C.E. helps manage pain and inflammation. Resting the injured area prevents further strain, while ice reduces swelling and numbs the pain. Compression applies pressure to diminish swelling, and elevation helps reduce pooling of fluids at the injury site.

The other phases—remodelling, proliferation, and chronic—represent later stages in the healing process, where the focus shifts to rehabilitation and restoring function rather than managing the immediate symptoms of injury. Therefore, R.I.C.E. is most effective and crucial during the acute inflammation phase when the injury occurs and requires immediate care.