It relieves pain, minimizes swelling, and speeds healing. RICE is often the best treatment for soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, and works well on pulled muscles and muscle spasms. The RICE treatment reduces inflammation that comes with acute injury.
Inflammation often causes redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
The earlier the RICE treatment is started after an injury, the better it works. If moving the injured area causes pain, your body is telling you to stop. ICE applied to the injured area will help to reduce swelling. Swelling causes more pain and slows healing. A one-pound package of frozen corn or peas makes a good ice pack.