In the acute stage of injury management, which action involves protecting the injured tissue?

• A. Initiate early proprioceptive training
• B. R.I.C.E.
• C. Begin high-speed balance training
• D. Progress to heavy resistance as tolerated

Answer: (C)

In the acute stage, the priority is protecting the injured tissue to prevent further damage and control swelling. The protective approach is to limit loading and irritation of the area while supporting healing, which is typically done with rest and measures to manage inflammation: ice to reduce swelling, compression to limit edema, and elevation to help drainage. This combination, often summarized as RICE, keeps the tissue stable and minimizes secondary injury during the critical first days.

Starting high-speed balance training would place rapid, dynamic demands on the injured tissue, risking re-injury and delaying healing. Proprioceptive work can be valuable later, but it should be introduced gradually after protection is established. Progressing to heavy resistance as tolerated also puts significant stress on the healing tissue in the acute phase and is not protective during this period.