Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Injuries during sports are often handled by massaging the painful part, even though that action risks worsening the condition. Health workers reminded the importance of understanding the PRICE method as first aid for mild injuries. The public also needs to recognize danger signs so that injuries are not handled too late.
Nurse at Klinik Pratama UM, Imelda Tri Omega SKep Ns AIFO, explained that sports injuries can be triggered by various factors. Starting from lack of warming up, fatigue, excessive training load, up to incorrect movement techniques.
“The public needs to understand the proper first aid steps when experiencing a sprain or muscle injury. One approach that is known is PRICE. An abbreviation of Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation,” said Imelda, as quoted from the UM website on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Protection means protecting the injured body part by stopping the activity that triggers pain. Meanwhile Rest is carried out by resting that body part from activities that provide excessive load.
The next step is Ice or cold compress. Ice can be wrapped using a thin towel, then attached for around 15–20 minutes. If needed, the compress can be repeated every two-three hours in the early phase of the injury. Ice must not be attached directly to the skin because it risks causing tissue damage.
“Next, Compression is carried out by wrapping the injured part using an elastic bandage. The wrapping must be comfortable enough to provide support without inhibiting blood circulation. As for Elevation, it is carried out by elevating the injured body part, for example using a pillow, as long as it does not increase the pain,” she said.
The PRICE approach can be used as initial first aid for suspected mild soft tissue injuries. However, this method does not replace examination by health workers. Especially to ensure the type and severity level of the injury.
In addition to understanding first aid steps, the public also needs to know actions that should be avoided. One of them through the HARM principle, covering Heat, Alcohol, Running and Massage.
In the first 48–72 hours after the injury, the use of heat, alcohol consumption, heavy activities such as running, as well as massage on the injured area should be avoided. Those actions have the potential to worsen swelling or complaints, especially in the early phase of the injury.
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The habit of massaging a sprained body part needs attention. Pain does not always show the actual severity level of the injury. Without examination, someone is not necessarily able to distinguish a mild sprain from a more serious injury.
“The spirit of maintaining health through sports needs to be accompanied by concern for self-safety. When complaints appear after an injury, do not force activities and seek appropriate health worker assistance,” continued Imelda.
She also reminded that not all injuries can be handled independently. Severe pain, major swelling up to difficulty moving body members need to receive medical examination.
Meanwhile, changes in the shape of body members, numbness, or conditions that appear bluish or feel cold require immediate assistance. Injuries that do not improve after initial handling also need to be evaluated by health workers.
“First aid is an initial step. If complaints persist or worrying signs appear, examination is needed so that the patient obtains handling according to their condition,” said Imelda.
Recovery is also not enough to be assessed from the reduction of pain. Someone needs to ensure that the injured body part is able to move again and carry out its function before gradually increasing exercise intensity. If pain or swelling increases again, activity needs to be reduced and the condition evaluated. (aan/mzm)
