Post Acute Injury Advice
What do you do after an acute soft tissue injury?
The PEACE & LOVE acronym is a more modern approach to managing acute soft tissue injuries, emphasising both immediate and longer-term care. This approach aims for a more holistic and evidence-based treatment compared to the traditional R.I.C.E. protocol. Here’s what each letter stands for:
Immediate Care (First 72 hours)
– P: Protection: Protect the injured area from further injury by avoiding activities that produce pain.
– E: Elevation: Elevate the injured limb to help reduce swelling.
– A: Avoid anti-inflammatory modalities: Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may potentially delay healing, so they are generally avoided in the initial stage.
– C: Compression: Use a bandage or wrap to help control swelling.
– E: Education: Understand that natural healing is crucial, and avoid rushing back to physical activities.
Longer-term Care
– L: Load: Gradually reintroduce weight-bearing and movement to the injured area, as advised by a healthcare provider.
– O: Optimism: A positive mental attitude can positively influence your recovery.
– V: Vascularisation: After 72 hours, low-intensity, pain-free cardiovascular activities can help promote blood flow to the injured area, aiding in the healing process.
– E: Exercise: As healing progresses, controlled, pain-free exercises can help restore function and strength to the injured area.
As always, it’s best to check your injury with a healthcare professional, they will be able to help you return to your normal hobbies and activities.
