Healing of Muscle Tissue Protocol
RICE VS. MEAT

The RICE method has been the traditional approach to help with healing of soft tissue injury.  However, recent research and clinical experience has led to a different thought process in regards to the healing process, hence, the MEAT protocol.

R.I.C.E.

  • Rest – Take time off to help the injury rest, taking stress off the injured area.
  • Ice – Ice is used primarily to reduce the inflammatory response of the body to the injured area, it also helps to decrease pain as it slows the nerve impulses into the area.
  • Compress-Compress the area with a bandage.  This is applied to help decrease swelling and also helps to stabilize the injured area.
  • Elevate-Elevating the injured area above your heart also reduces swelling.

M.E.A.T.

  • Mobilize-Controlled movement of the affected limb can stimulate blood flow, reduce the formation of inappropriately aligned collagen fibers (scar tissue), and effectively improve recovery. This is shown by Cochrane review which displayed the improved recovery in patients with ankle ligament sprains treated with functional treatments rather than immobilization (Kerkhoffs et al. 2002). These patients had improved satisfaction, less swelling, and quicker RTW or RTP. (www.thesportsphysiotherapist.com)

 

  • Exercise-This is also research backed, Bleakley et al (2010) showed that the addition of ankle AROM, strength and sensorimotor exercises to standard RICE treatments improved function and weight-bearing in patients following acute ankle sprain. (www.thesportsphysiotherapist.com)
  • Analgesics-these should be utilised to control acute pain. This however does not include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, which inhibit the normal process of healing. It is suggested that natural analgesics, such as proteolytic enzymes, can assist with recovery (Rathgeber, 1971; Deitrick, 1965). (www.thesportsphysiotherapist.com)  The use of natural anti-inflammatories and natural pain killers is recommended, as traditional pain killers can slow or inhibit the healing process.
  • Therapy-Other therapies such as chiropractic care, Physical therapy, or even prolotherapy can help to speed up the recovery process.  It is critical that people not only get back to activities as fast as possible, but also that they have the best long term recovery.

Overview

It is critical to note that blood is a HEALING agent, it provides proper nutrients and cells needed in the repair process, this is simply why muscles heal faster than ligaments, because they have MORE blood flow.  The RICE protocol aims to decrease blood flow, which decreases the healing response. The MEAT protocol aims to increase blood flow, but just as importantly, help the tissue to remodel and allow collagen to align to a normal position.

 

It is key to note that the MEAT protocol applies but there should be very specific movements and exercises to be used, this is where a Chiropractor or Physical therapist can step in to help you create a protocol that will speed up recover and provide the best long term healing for your specific injury.

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