A recent article proposed the idea that higher levels of early inflammation may protect from development of chronic pain. We’ve been seeing a shift in recommendations to a more active approach for injury healing, and this paper suggests we are on the right track!

The old recommendation was RICE: Rest – Ice – Compression – Elevation. While compression and elevation remain as key components of injury healing, we have learned that ice and rest are not the best approach! Ice and rest may actually delay the healing process, and we definitely don’t want that.

If you have suffered an injury, practice PEACE & LOVE to get you back to your favorite activities. 

PEACE: Protection – Elevation – Avoid anti-inflammatories – Compression – Education 

LOVE: Load – Optimism – Vascularization – Exercise 

Whoa that’s a lot to remember! The take home message is:

1. Use compression and elevation to manage swelling.
2. Maintain a strength and cardio focused exercise routine with modifications as needed.
3. Stay optimistic about your recovery, you got this! 

Check out our video below for a practical application of PEACE & LOVE for a knee injury.