If you experience a strain or sprain, the following RICE principle can aid in your healing process.

R Rest – Avoid using the injured joint as much as possible for the first 24 hours.

I Ice – Frozen vegetables make a good cold pack, as well as a zip-lock bag with windshield washer fluid; or a commercial cold pack.

C Compression – Apply an ace wrap, spiraled from below the injury toward the heart.

E Elevation – Put the injured limb above the heart so gravity can assist in pulling blood away from the injury.

Helpful Hints:
• Use an ice/cold pack for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 3 days.

• Use ice for at least three days before switching to heat. You can make the injury worse by applying heat too soon. Ice will delay swelling and soreness after an injury.

• Try to sleep with the injured limb elevated. A pillow can be used to prop up the limb.

• If using an ace bandage, be sure that it is tighter at the bottom and looser as you wrap toward the heart. Do NOT sleep with the ace bandage on.

If you require follow-up treatment, contact your physician. If your symptoms do not progressively get better, or begin to worsen, report directly to an emergency room.

“At Partners In Rehab & AthletiCare we listen to our patients and provide them with the programs and services they need to achieve the best possible health,” said Karen Hughes, Director of Outpatient Rehab for Catholic Health. “They tell us they want expert rehabilitation services using the latest treatment options. Our therapists specialize in specific clinical areas and keep up-to-date on the most current therapies available. Many are board-certified in specialty areas or hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.”

Treatment options, based on the best clinical practices, include:

Physical Therapy - offers a full range of services to help individuals recover from orthopedic injuries, muscle conditions, and neurological disorders. Staffed by board certified specialists and licensed physical therapists, our team is committed to working with patients and their families to regain function, restore strength, improve range of motion, reduce pain, prevent re-injury, and adapt to physical limitations.

Occupational Therapy - enables patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions to reach their optimal level of independence in daily self-care, work, and leisure activities. Besides improving function, Occupational Therapy helps patients adjust their activities as needed to overcome disabilities. . The occupational therapy neurological program features a simulated home environment including a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom to provide a real-life setting for “activities of daily living.” Emphasis is on patient and family education to continue care at home.

Speech-language Pathologists - evaluate and treat speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders. The ability to communicate is fundamental to a person’s quality of life. Based on the results of the evaluation and the patient’s personal goals, an individualized treatment plan is established.

Catholic Health’s Partners In Rehab & AthletiCare outpatient rehabilitation centers are conveniently located in Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Depew, East Aurora, Kenmore, Orchard Park, West Seneca, and Williamsville. For more information, call Catholic Health’s HealthConnection at 447-6205 or log on to www.chsbuffalo.org/rehab.