RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Refer) Guide

What is RICER?

The RICER treatment comprises of a method for treatment of soft tissue injuries, used both immediately following the incident of injury and during the ongoing injury management process. Correct application of RICER has been recognised to prevent further injury or complications, relieve pain, limit swelling and accelerate the healing process by days or even months.

Applying RICER treatment

  1. Rest is an important step immediately following the injury to reduce blood flow to the injury site and help prevent any further damage from developing.

  2. Ice application to the injury is a vital step to reducing swelling and pain. A Cold Pack should be applied as soon as possible after the injury occurs. The length of time and how often ice should be applied is recommended as 20 minutes for every 2 hours for the first 48 – 72 hours. However this can vary depending on the individual being treated where 20 minutes can prove excessive to some and inadequate for others.

  3. Compression brings with it two benefits, the first being the reduction in localised bleeding and swelling, and the second support of the injury and surrounding area. This can be achieved by use of a suitable Bandage which fully covers the injury and overlaps some of the surrounding area.

  4. Elevation simply involves raising the injured area above the level of the heart to further reduce bleeding and swelling.

  5. Refer to a doctor or professional physical therapist if the injury is considered serious, or if in any doubt over the severity of the injury.

Available Products

Koolpak products are ideal for RICER treatment and other similar injury applications. Koolpak Instant Cold Packs provide for speedy application using a simple squeeze and shake activation, creating an ice cold source within seconds. We also provide a range of fun instant cold packs specifically for use on children.

How Does Cold Therapy Work?

Cold therapy involves the use of products such as frozen gel packs and instant ice packs. It is best suited to treating localised acute swelling which has been caused by injuries such as:

  • Bumps & Bruises

  • Strains & Sprains

  • Pulled muscles

  • Injured ligaments

Applying cold therapy to treat injuries yields the following benefits:

  • It decreases fluid build up and swelling at the site of injury by constricting blood vessels and slowing down the metabolism of the cells

  • Nerve endings at the site of the injury are numbed which decreases their ability to send impulses perceived as pain to the brain

  • It slows the release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation

  • Any muscle at the site of injury will have it's ability to maintain a contracted state reduced, thereby reducing muscle spasm

Koolpak products offer a number of cold therapy solutions depending on requirement.

  • Instant Ice Packs for single use, immediate and effective treatment.

  • Reusable Gel packs which can be frozen repeatedly to provide effective cold therapy

  • Sport specific cold packs which stay colder for longer specifically for the treatment of sporting injuries

  • Cold bandages to combine cold therapy and compression to an injury

  • Koolkids cold packs to help raise a smile when treating injuries on children

Koolpak Sports Ice Packs

How Does Heat Therapy Work?

Heat therapy involves the use of products such as instant hot packs and reusable gel packs that can be heated up in hot water or microwaves. It is ideal for treating injuries such as:

  • Chronic non-inflammatory injuries

  • Rehabilitating injury sites after treating with cold therapy

  • Pain caused by conditions such as Arthritis

  • Soothing tired, stiff or aching muscles

Applying Heat therapy to these types of injury yields the following benefits:

  • An increased blood flow to the site of injury, which decreases stiffness and relaxes sore muscles

  • Improves the elasticity of muscle around an injury site to allow movement to be performed more freely

  • Warming the nerve endings around an injury assist in blocking the body's pain transmitters from making their way to brain

Heat Therapy is a cost effective, easy to apply and effective means of treating every day injuries such as aches and pains. Koolpak provide a number of Heat Therapy solutions:

  • Reusable gel packs that can be repeatedly warmed up via hot water or microwave

  • Single use Instant Hot packs that can be instantly activated

  • Koolkids Instant Hot packs which help to raise a smile when treating Children

Koolpak Luxury Packs

* The above information has been compiled using various sources and Koolpak hold no responsibility or liability for any injury or accident caused during the use oftheseguidelines.Theabove information is intended for guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for recognised first aid courses.