What is a component of the RICE protocol for a muscle strain?

• A. Rest
• B. Massage
• C. Heat
• D. Weight bearing

Answer: (A)

Resting the injured muscle is a key part of the RICE approach used in the immediate management of a muscle strain. RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—aims to limit damage and swelling in the first 24–72 hours. Rest reduces stress on damaged fibers, helping to prevent further tearing and giving the healing process a chance to begin without additional irritation. The other options don’t fit this protocol in the acute phase: massage isn’t part of RICE and can aggravate the injury; heat is avoided early on because it increases blood flow and swelling; bearing weight on the injured area would add load to the damaged tissue, potentially delaying healing.