If you injure yourself while dancing, you should be aware of the proper and immediate treatment. Some injuries only require self-treatment, but more severe injuries need to be treated by a doctor. Immediate treatment will speed the healing process. A simple way to remember the first aid treatment is to keep in mind the follwing acronym: RICE.
- R= Rest
- I= Ice
- C= Compression
- E= Elevation
RICE is the recipe for first aid.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: First 48 hours after the injury occurs
Here's How:
- Rest: Stop using the injured area as soon as you experience pain.
- Ice: Apply ice immediately to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day for the first 48 hours.
- Compression: Firmly wrap the injured body part with an elastic or compression bandage between icings.
- Elevation: Raise the injured part to decrease the blood supply to the injured area.
Tips:
- If you suffer a dance injury, stop dancing immediately. Continuing to dance may greatly worsen an injury.
- The following injuries require immediate professional attention: patellar tendinitis, shin splints, sprains, and stress fractures.
- Use common sense while dancing...pushing your body beyond its limits will almost always cause an injury.
What You Need
- Ice
- Bandage
- Time
- Possibly a doctor
