Care for Acute and Sports Injuries: Less R.I.C.E. and More Laser

Presenter: Dr. Phil Harrington

Introduction

• Topic: Care for acute and sports injuries
• Thesis: Transition from R.I.C.E. to laser therapy for better recovery outcomes
• Contact: Laser Lessons from Dr. Phil (Laserlessonsfromdril@gmail.com)

Understanding Acute Injuries

• Definition: Results from a single traumatic event
  • Causes: Twisting, tearing, blunt force trauma
  • Effects: Microscopic damage leading to fluid leaking, swelling, pain, hypoxia
  • Common Injuries in Clinics: Ligament sprains, muscle strains, knee injuries, falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents

Historical Use of Ice

• Traditional Teaching: Ice to decrease pain, swelling, inflammation, spasms, soreness
• Historical Evolution: From inconvenience to commercial staple (e.g., Frederick Tutor)
  • Key Figures: Dr. John Gorry, Hippocrates, Anglo-Saxon monks, Baron Delar, Dr. Temple Fay
• R.I.C.E. Protocol: Coined by Dr. Gabe Merkin in 1978
  • Components: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
  • Adaptations: H.A.R.V.A.R.D adds protection (P.R.I.C.E.)
  • Public Perception vs. Reality: Ice might delay healing rather than aid

Concerns with Ice Therapy

• Body's Healing Needs Inflammation: Requires inflammatory cells and IGF-1 hormone
  • Inflammation aids healing, inhibiting it delays recovery
• **Negative Effects of Ice: Loss of strength, speed, endurance, and coordination
  • **Alternatives to R.I.C.E.: M.E.A.T. (Movement, Exercise, Analgesics, Treatment)

Laser Therapy as an Alternative

• Introduction to Laser Therapy: Photobiomodulation benefits without thermal damage
  • Mechanisms: Improves microcirculation, oxygen delivery, energy production, pain reduction, inflammation resolution, accelerated healing
• Shift in Sports Medicine: More trainers adopt laser therapy over ice
  • Benefits of Laser Therapy in Recovery: Faster and more effective post-exercise recovery

Research Supporting Laser Therapy

• Key Studies and Findings:
  • Journal of Athletic Training: Cryotherapy's efficacy questioned
  • University of Galway: Insufficient evidence in cryotherapy’s benefits for soft tissue injuries
  • Other Publications: Laser therapy shows effective outcomes compared to ice, promotes faster recovery, especially in muscle regeneration

Practical Recommendations

• Immediate Use of Laser Post-Injury: Enhances pain resolution and tissue healing
  • Class 4 Lasers: Safe and effective with proper settings; avoids tissue heating
  • Combining Ice and Laser: Apply ice first within 6 hours, then laser therapy for best outcome

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: For optimal care of acute and sports injuries, rely more on laser therapy rather than R.I.C.E.
• Clinical Recommendations: Quick laser application post-injury; consider photobiomodulation as primary treatment
• Contact Dr. Phil Harrington: For further questions or comments (Laserlessonsfromdril@gmail.com)