RICER Regime
The RICER regime is the process that an athlete should take upon receiving a soft tissue injury, such as shoulder tendonitis. Following this simple acronym will allow you to take the field sooner rather than later.
Here is a step by step guide to treating shoulder tendonitis. However, these steps can be followed for any soft tissue injury.
Rest
This step involves reducing the amount of use the shoulder does. It does not mean completely immobilising the shoulder, but controlling the use of it. Resting for at least 24-48 hours is ideal. Rest allows the muscle to heal faster as there are no external forces restricting the recovery process. It also restricts the blood flow to the shoulder which aids in recovery.
Ice
Applying ice reduces swelling, which is the main issue with shoulder tendonitis, bleeding and plain. To be effective, one should ice the shoulder in 10-20 minute intervals for 2 hours. Applying ice to the shoulder through direct skin contact can be detrimental. Wrapping the ice in a tea towel or icing through a jacket is more effective. Note: children have a low tolerance for ice treatment so this should be taken into consideration.
Compression
This step is curial to controlling shoulder tendonitis. Swelling is reduced significantly through wrapping the shoulder tightly with a bandage which applies pressure also. Maintain compression for up to 3 days to remove or reduce the fluids surrounding the shoulder. Compression also aids in support so if the athlete is still able to play, with approval form medical staff, strapping and compression can aid in support for the shoulder as throwing and batting continues.
Elevation
The shoulder should remain elevated, above the heart, for up to 3 days to reduce swelling, bleeding and pain. The fluids that accumulate in the shoulder due to indirect forces can be reduced with elevation. Venous and lymphatic drainage also occurs when the shoulder is elevated.
Referral
If the shoulder continues to swell and cause pain, or even to receive a definitive diagnosis, the athlete should refer to a doctor or physiotherapist. This will provide a definite management process for rehabilitation.
Rest
This step involves reducing the amount of use the shoulder does. It does not mean completely immobilising the shoulder, but controlling the use of it. Resting for at least 24-48 hours is ideal. Rest allows the muscle to heal faster as there are no external forces restricting the recovery process. It also restricts the blood flow to the shoulder which aids in recovery.
Ice
Applying ice reduces swelling, which is the main issue with shoulder tendonitis, bleeding and plain. To be effective, one should ice the shoulder in 10-20 minute intervals for 2 hours. Applying ice to the shoulder through direct skin contact can be detrimental. Wrapping the ice in a tea towel or icing through a jacket is more effective. Note: children have a low tolerance for ice treatment so this should be taken into consideration.
Compression
This step is curial to controlling shoulder tendonitis. Swelling is reduced significantly through wrapping the shoulder tightly with a bandage which applies pressure also. Maintain compression for up to 3 days to remove or reduce the fluids surrounding the shoulder. Compression also aids in support so if the athlete is still able to play, with approval form medical staff, strapping and compression can aid in support for the shoulder as throwing and batting continues.
Elevation
The shoulder should remain elevated, above the heart, for up to 3 days to reduce swelling, bleeding and pain. The fluids that accumulate in the shoulder due to indirect forces can be reduced with elevation. Venous and lymphatic drainage also occurs when the shoulder is elevated.
Referral
If the shoulder continues to swell and cause pain, or even to receive a definitive diagnosis, the athlete should refer to a doctor or physiotherapist. This will provide a definite management process for rehabilitation.