In 2019 a new acronym, PEACE & LOVE, was proposed for the management of early stages of soft tissue injuries (e.g. ligament sprains and muscle strains. This acronym replaces the more well known, and traditionally used acronym RICE.
Acute soft tissue injuries need PEACE & LOVE
Protect: limiting painful movements for the first few days after injury allows the injured tissue to recover and minimizes bleeding at the injury site. Rest should be limited to 1-3 days, depending on injury severity, as prolonged rest can reduce the strength and quality of the injured tissue.
Elevate: Elevated the injured joint above the heart. There is not noteworthy evidence to support elevation after injury, however the risk to reward ratio is low.
Avoid anti-inflammatories: avoid using modalities like ice and anti-inflammatory medications in the early stages of injury. These can delay the infiltration of useful immune cells and restoration of blood flow to the site of injury.
Compress: Using compression bandages or tape over the injury can reduce bleeding from the injured tissue and swelling in the joint.
Educate: listen to your body. Seek advice from a medical professional or your physiotherapist.
The injury then needs LOVE once the first few days have passed.
Loading: Moving and exercising the injured muscle or joint (within pain tolerance) will promote healing of the injured tissue. You should resume your normal activities as pain allows. This promotes repair and builds the capacity of injured tissues.
Optimism: Optimism and positivity about your injury can improve outcomes.
Vascularisation: Is a process where new blood vessels form. Early pain free exercise can increase blood flow to the injured structures. This improves function and can reduce the need for pain relief.
Exercise: Pain guided exercise can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of re-injury.
If you are suffering from a recent soft tissue injury, our Physiotherapists at North Balwyn Physiotherapy Clinic can help you give your injury some LOVE. We will assess your injury and provide you with an individualised management plan to help you recover faster and get back to the activities that you love.
For more information or to speak to our team call us on 9859 5585.
Dubois B, Esculier J-F. Br J Sports Med Epub ahead of print: [07/08/2025]. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-101253
