RICE Or HEM – Which is Best to Heal a Sprained Ankle?
Sprained ankles are typically treated with the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), but is this the best way? You may feel a little discouraged to know that one of the most common injuries in the U.S. has had so few treatment options and takes such a long time to heal.
R.I.C.E. will eventually heal a sprained ankle, but it has serious disadvantages such as…
- a long downtime and recovery period, at approximately 2 to 8 weeks or longer
- it doesn’t address rehab exercises
- ice has been shown to stop lymphatic drainage in studies
- long-term compression will weaken or even atrophy the ankle
- it can lead to other physical problems, such as hip pain, knee pain, or back pain.
- it decreases the ankle’s range of motion
- it doesn’t repair nerves
A newer breakthrough treatment is H.E.M. Ankle Rehab… The H.E.M. method was developed through years of practical research. H.E.M. is proving a better option for rehabilitating a sprained ankle. Not only does it rehabilitate a sprained ankle in days instead of weeks, but it also strengthens the ankle at the same time, thereby reducing the likelihood of recurring injuries and injury to other parts of the body.
Most importantly, recent research backs up the methods in H.E.M. and shows that R.I.C.E. is fairly ineffective at treating sprains.
The H.E.M. method is easy to understand and follow for anyone, and it addresses the shortcomings of R.I.C.E., including:
- faster reduction of swelling and pain to facilitate rehabilitation (usually 3 – 7 days
- a significantly lower risk of future ankle sprains
- heals the sprained ankle and strengthens it at the same time
- increases healthy range of motion
- increases stability and strength in the ankles
- improves overall movement and athletic performance
- reduces the risk of recurrent injury
- improves posture and gait
- addresses neuromuscular issues
H.E.M. is designed to take only a few minutes a day right in your own home. A sprained ankle, once considered a major rehabilitative task requiring weeks of care, can now be viewed as an opportunity to build strength and guard against future injury, all within days of the injury.
When compared side by side, it becomes apparent that the best and fastest route to healing a sprained ankle is H.E.M. It addresses the underlying issues of healing a sprained ankle by working with the body instead of against it.
