The acronym R.I.C.E. was introduced by Dr. Gabe Mirkin in 1978 and has long been the standard approach to managing acute soft tissue injuries. The letters stand for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, and for decades this protocol was taught as the first line of treatment.

Ice was widely used for its pain-relieving effects and because it was believed to reduce tissue damage by limiting inflammation. However, our understanding of the healing process has changed significantly, and we now recognise that inflammation plays an essential role in recovery.

In this module, Aubrey examines the evidence behind the RICE protocol, explains why many clinicians are moving away from its routine use, and presents a more effective approach to managing acute injuries that can support faster recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.

About Aubrey Gowing

Aubrey is a college director at Holistic College Dublin, and program developer for our cutting-edge Sports Massage courses and C.P.D. workshops. His 37 years clinical experience and 32 years teaching experience enables him to bring high standards of professionalism and expertise to each diploma course and seminar. His qualifications include: Diplomas in Holistic Massage, Yoga Teaching, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Healing Therapy, Indian Head Massage, Seated On-Site Massage, Stone Therapy, Pregnancy Massage, Fitness Instruction and Personal Training, Therapeutic Massage, Sports Massage levels 3, 4 & 5, Orthopaedic Massage, Myoskeletal Therapy, Neuro-Structural Integration and certificates in Delivering Learning and Occupational First Aid. Aubrey is the author of four books, the acclaimed Myoskeletal and Sports Therapy series and the newly released Kinesiology Taping Strategies all of which reflect his ongoing interest in the pain free treatment of overuse, repetitive strain and chronic injuries. In addition to his busy international lecturing schedule, Aubrey has also served three successful terms as President of the Irish Massage Therapists Association and is a subject matter expert for international awarding bodies.

In an open discussion with industry leader Cal Cates and integrative health scholar Shawn Maier, explore the Somato-Relational Framework (SRF), a biopsychosocial approach for understanding massage therapy through the lens of mental health. Together, we will consider the SRF's three interconnected pillars of somatic embodiment, relational dynamics, and the process of integration, and invite discussion about how these concepts might expand the way we understand the purpose, practice, and potential of massage therapy. 

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This lecture will explore the patient’s respiratory system and provide insight into intervention strategies on how this can be addressed.

The functional anatomy and mechanics of respiration will be explored. Once the significance of the musculoskeletal system is fully comprehended, it will be clear how the manual therapist can impact the respiratory system, for the infirm as well as the athletic population.

We will then explain a practical strategy to treat the diaphragm. As a practical application, Jonathan will demonstrate how this same intervention can be done by the therapist on themselves; this will enable an appreciation of how the therapist can facilitate an improvement to the patient’s status.

For those treating athletes, the same technique will ensure that the athlete can breath with maximum efficiency. For patients dealing with COPD and other respiratory challenges, the ongoing strenuous efforts to breath should be mitigated, hence improving their quality of life. Regardless, the therapist will expand their scope of practice to a new domain.

About Jonathan Maister

Jonathan Maister is a Canadian Certified Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist with a further specialty in Sport Massage (through the Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association). In addition to being in private practice since 1998, he has taught at numerous educational institutions in their Massage Therapy program. He writes regularly for Canadian journals on topics relating to Athletic Therapy, Sport Medicine and Massage and edits the quarterly newsletter for the Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association. Jonathan’s presentations are known for their high energy and unique approach making him a frequent presenter at conventions in the Massage and Athletic Therapy domain having presented in Canada, Israel, South Africa, and the USA. He chairs the Education Committee of the Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association.

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