03/12/2026
Many people are familiar with the acronym R.I.C.E for injury recovery; however, research has shown that this method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can actually delay healing time. This is because icing or other anti-inflammatory agents restrict blood flow, which may temporarily reduce pain but also prolongs healing time, and resting too long can lead to muscle stiffness and atrophy. The new acronym (PEACE & LOVE) ☮️💟 emphasizes the importance of early movement and vascularization. PEACE refers to the acute phase of injury (the first 1-3 days) when you should take it easy, elevate the injury to drain fluid, compress to reduce swelling, and get education surrounding the healing process. After the first few days, we implement LOVE to introduce weight bearing, a positive mindset, aerobic activity to increase blood flow, and tailored exercise.
Read "soft-tissue injuries simply need peace and love” to learn more :https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/54/2/72.full.pdf
