I, like many other health care professionals, have been taught to ice all acute injuries. By acute, I’m referring to traumatic injuries that have occurred within 48 hours. Pain is usually sharp in nature and may be associated with swelling. With acute soft tissue injuries the first line of defence is ICE and the acronym RICE is usually applied : Rest Ice Compress Elevate. Ice is thought to reduce inflammation or swelling which can help to decrease pain. Makes sense right? Nots so fast. Rest – that could lead to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. Ice and compression can restrict blood flow and limit the bodies ability to flush out the inflammation on its own. All this can create more pressure in the area, ultimately causing pain while reducing healing.  So what now?

Toronto-based trainer and exercise physiologist, John Paul Catanzaro, coined a new acronym to deal with soft tissue injuries – METH. Movement, Elevation, Traction and Heat. According to Catanzaro movement increases circulation to the area, bringing nutrient-filled blood necessary for healing.  Furthermore, movement with traction reduces pain, enhances lymphatic removal of inflammation, improves flexibility, and restores normal joint alignment. Now that sounds good!  Elevation which is also recommended according to RICE remains important as it prevents blood from pooling in the affecting limb, causing increased swelling. Elevating the limb above the heart will assist gravity in circulating blood back to the heart and lungs, taking pressure of the injured limb.

I decided to give this a try with patients suffering from re-occuring ankle sprains as well as elbow and knee tendonitis. Most patients had great success with the method. I found that using moist heat for periods no longer than 15 minutes on the affected area did help with pain and swelling. Keep in mind that traction and movement were done with very cautious direction. All movement was kept within a pain free range of motion.

Going further, I do plan to recommend this theory with certain recurring acute injuries. I also think there is some benefit to alternating between the RICE and METH protocols depending on the severity and duration of the injury. Most importantly before you try this on your own, I do recommend that you consult your health care practitioner.

For more information email Mississauga Chiropractor Dr. Nekessa S. Remy at drremy@thechiropracticoffice.ca

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