RICE
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Rest, ice, compression and elevation |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical |
RICE has two meanings. It stands for Rest, ice, compression and elevation (musculoskeletal & rheumatology) or Rest, ice, compression, elevation (rehabilitation).
Meanings of RICE at a glance
| # | RICE stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rest, ice, compression and elevation | Medical › Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology |
| 2 | Rest, ice, compression, elevation | Medical › Rehabilitation |
1. Rest, ice, compression and elevation
Medical · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology Abbreviations
Traditional first-aid approach for acute soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, aimed at limiting swelling and pain in the first days. It is taught in sports first aid and printed on many injury handouts.
Example: Grade I ankle sprain; RICE for 48 hours, then progressive weight bearing.
Physician Gabe Mirkin coined RICE in 1978, then in 2014 cautioned that ice may delay healing. Newer acronyms such as PRICE (adding protection), POLICE (optimal loading) and PEACE & LOVE (2019) emphasize early movement and avoiding anti-inflammatories in the first days. Pronounced like the grain.
2. Rest, ice, compression, elevation
Medical · Rehabilitation Abbreviations
First-aid approach for acute soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains: limit use, apply cold, wrap with an elastic bandage and raise the limb.
Example: Grade 1 ankle sprain: RICE x 48 hours, then progressive weight bearing.
Coined by physician Gabe Mirkin in 1978; he later said ice and complete rest may delay healing. Variants include PRICE (adding protection), POLICE (optimal loading) and PEACE and LOVE. Prolonged rest is now discouraged for most minor injuries.
Related abbreviations
More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations
- PRP – Platelet-rich plasma
- PsA – Psoriatic arthritis
- RA – Rheumatoid arthritis
- RCT – Rotator cuff tear
- RSA – Reverse shoulder arthroplasty
- SCFE – Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- SLAP – Superior labrum anterior to posterior (tear)
- SLE – Systemic lupus erythematosus
See all 71 musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations →
More rehabilitation abbreviations
- PROM – Passive range of motion
- PT – Physical therapy
- PWB – Partial weight bearing
- QC – Quad cane
- ROM – Range of motion
- RPE – Rating of perceived exertion
- RTS – Raised toilet seat
- RW – Rolling walker
See all 98 rehabilitation abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.