Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management for Tendonitis/Bursitis to prevent overuse?

• A. NSAIDs
• B. Massage therapy
• C. RICE
• D. Rest plus heat and activity modification

Answer: (C)

In acute tendonitis or bursitis, the priority is to reduce inflammation and prevent further tissue stress from overuse. The RICE approach—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—directly addresses both protecting the inflamed area and controlling swelling. Rest stops the repetitive strain, ice reduces inflammation and pain, elevation helps decrease edema, and compression supports the tissue. These steps lay the groundwork for healing and prevent worsening from ongoing overuse. Heat is avoided in the acute phase because it can increase blood flow and swelling, and while NSAIDs can ease pain, they don’t address the mechanical stress or guide activity, and massage or other heat-based strategies don’t provide the same protective/anti-inflammatory effect upfront. Hence, RICE is the most appropriate initial management.