Move It to Mend It: The New Way to Heal

For a long time, people believed that resting was the best way to heal an injury. But now, experts say that moving might be better.

A Shift from the Old Idea of RICE

This is a big change from the old idea of RICE, which stands for:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

Even the doctor who came up with RICE now says that other methods might work better.

The Benefits of Early Movement

Moving soon after an injury can help you heal faster. Studies show that people who start moving earlier can return to their normal activities sooner.

Example: Athletes and Rehabilitation

• Athletes who started rehab two days after an injury returned to sports 20 days earlier than those who waited nine days.
• Moving also helps with pain and makes your muscles stronger.

Understanding Pain and Movement

But moving can hurt, and pain is complicated. Your brain plays a big role in how you feel pain. If you're scared of pain, you might avoid moving, which can make things worse.

Accepting Pain for Better Healing

Experts say that accepting pain and moving anyway can help you heal better.

New Ways to Deal with Pain

There are new ways to deal with pain, like:

• Virtual reality
• Mindfulness

These methods can help you feel less pain and recover faster.

Painkillers: A Last Resort

Doctors also say that taking painkillers should be a last resort, and you should take the least amount possible.

The Future of Pain and Movement

Experts are still learning about how pain and movement affect healing. But for now, it seems that moving is key to getting better.

Final Advice

So, the next time you get hurt, don't just rest—get moving!