title: Pain relief for acute soft-tissue injuries.
abstract: Treating the pain that accompanies a soft-tissue sports injury sometimes requires a delicate balancing act: making the patient comfortable enough to comply with rehabilitation - or, in some instances, to return to play - without nullifying pain's protective function. The first step is to minimize swelling and related discomfort by using rest, ice, compression, and elevation immediately after injury. In the postacute stage, the patient's symptoms and activity level will guide the choice of pain-control options.
authors.affiliation: Sewickley, PA, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Thornton