Which is not a part of the RICE protocol for injury management?

• A. Heat
• B. Rest
• C. Ice
• D. Elevation

Answer: (A)

In the initial management of an acute injury, the goal is to limit swelling and pain, and RICE provides a straightforward approach: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Rest reduces movement that could worsen damage; Ice causes vasoconstriction to limit blood flow, swelling, and pain; Compression helps keep swelling down; Elevation uses gravity to reduce swelling by aiding venous return. Heat is not included because it increases blood flow and swelling in the early stage, which can amplify inflammation. Heat is more commonly used later in rehab to relax muscles and improve flexibility once the acute swelling has subsided. So the thing not part of the RICE protocol is heat.