RICER is a standardised mnemonic used for the management of soft tissue injuries during the first 48 – 72 hours. Each letter in the mnemonic represents a specific step in the treatment protocol.
R | Rest |
I | Ice (15 – 20 minutes every 1 – 2 hours) |
C | Compression |
E | Elevation and also avoiding HARM in the first 48 – 72 hours |
R | Referral |
The HARM component is another protocol used for soft tissue injuries, but it focuses on what NOT to do to avoid causing further harm to the injured area. Therefore, each letter in the HARM mnemonic represents a specific action to avoid.
H | Heat (increases blood flow and swelling) |
A | Alcohol (increases blood flow and swelling) |
R | Re-injury |
M | Massage (promotes blood flow and swelling) |