Treatment
If severe pain persists after the first 24hours it is recommended that an individual consult with a professional who can make a diagnosis and implement a treatment plan so the patient can return to everyday activities. To make a full diagnosis, a professional may use nerve conduction studies to localize nerve dysfunction (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome), assess severity, and help with prognosis. Electrodiagnosis also helps differentiate between myopathy and neuropathy. Using the RICE method can somewhat be controversial as the science behind using ice is not necessarily very clear. On one hand, ice diminishes pain, metabolism, and muscle spasms. It also minimizes the inflammatory process and edema, which helps one recover from a soft-tissue injury. However, creatine kinase-MB isoform and myoglobin levels circulating in the blood increased after exercising. Ice impedes the recovery process by keeping the Creatine kinase-MB isoform and myoglobin levels increased 2–3 days post exercise. It is therefore important to weigh the pros and cons before applying any treatment, including the use of ice. Ultimately, the best method of imaging soft tissue is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), though it is cost-prohibitive and carries a high false positive rate. References
Sources
Flegel, Melinda J. (2004). Sport first aid: A coach’s guide to preventing and responding to injuries. Hong Kong, Japan: Human Kinetics. Lindsay, R., Watson, G., Hickmont, D., Broadfoot, A., & Bruynel, L. (1994). Treat your own strains sprains and bruises. New Zealand: Spinal Publications. Lovering, R.M. (2008). "Physical therapy and related interventions". In P.M. Tiidus (ed. ), Skeletal muscle damage and repair (pp. 219–230).
Parentheses indicate location in body

LigamentsAnterior cruciate ligament (knee), medial collateral ligament (knee), ulnar collateral ligaments (wrist/hand), interspinous ligaments (vertebrae)MusclesBiceps brachii (upper arm), rectus femoris (thigh), transverse abdominis (abdominals)TendonsPatellar tendon (knee), calcaneal/Achilles tendon (foot/lower leg), biceps tendon (shoulder/elbow)NervesBrachial plexus (shoulder), ulnar nerve (elbow/hand), peroneal nerve (ankle/foot), cranial nerves I-XII(head)BonesFemur (leg), humerus (arm), ribs (torso), metatarsals I-VI (foot), metacarpals I-VI (hand)CartilageMenisci (knee), intervertebral discs (spine), acetabulum (hip)

Management
RICE method
The RICE method is an effective procedure used in the initial treatment of a soft tissue injury. Rest
It is suggested that the patient take a break from the activity that caused the injury in order to give the injury time to heal. Ice
The injury should be iced on and off in 20 minute intervals, avoiding direct contact of the ice with the skin. Compression
Bandaging the injury will compress it, and prevent any further bleeding or swelling from occurring. Elevation
Elevating the injury above the heart while resting will aid in the reduction of swelling. No HARM protocol
This mnemonic indicates what  not  to do within the first 48–72 hours after the injury in order to speed up the recovery process. Heat
Applying heat to the injured area can cause blood flow and swelling to increase. Alcohol
Alcohol can inhibit the ability to feel if the injury is becoming more aggravated, as well as increasing blood flow and swelling. Re-injury
Avoid any activities that could aggravate the injury and cause further damage. Massage
Massaging an injured area can promote blood flow and swelling, and potentially cause more damage if done too early.