Final answer:
The recommended initial treatment for an acute joint injury is cold therapy, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It is part of the RICE protocol which includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended initial treatment for an acute joint injury is B) Cold therapy. This is part of the RICE technique, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Applying cold therapy using items like commercial cold packs can help to decrease inflammation and swelling by cooling down the tissue and constricting blood vessels. Later on, during the rehabilitation process, heat therapy may be introduced as part of an appropriate physical therapy plan to enhance blood flow to the injured area and promote healing. However, the initial response to acute injury should prioritize cold therapy to manage and reduce the acute symptoms.