🕊️ PEACE & ❤️ LOVE: The Ultimate Guide to Injury Recovery

Injuries are never fun, but how you manage them can make all the difference. Whether you're an athlete, weekend warrior, or simply took a misstep, knowing how to care for an acute soft tissue injury is essential.

Forget outdated protocols like RICE. The modern, science-backed approach is called PEACE & LOVE — a two-part strategy that promotes better short- and long-term recovery. Let’s break it down.

🌿 What is PEACE & LOVE? 🌿

PEACE & LOVE is a two-phase protocol for managing acute soft tissue injuries. It guides you through:

• The immediate response phase (PEACE), and

• The long-term healing process (LOVE).

🕊️ PEACE: Immediate Care (First 1–3 Days) 🕊️

P – Protect

Avoid movements and activities that increase pain. Allow the injured area to rest without total immobilization.

E – Elevate

Raise the injured area above heart level to reduce swelling and encourage fluid drainage.

A – Avoid Anti-Inflammatories

While it may seem helpful, avoid taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen early on. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process and suppressing it can delay recovery.

C – Compress

Use a compression bandage or wrap to control swelling and provide gentle support.

E – Educate

Understand your injury and what recovery involves. Avoid unnecessary scans or interventions. Be proactive and trust the healing process.

❤️ LOVE: Ongoing Recovery Phase ❤️

After the initial few days, your focus should shift toward active healing and rehabilitation. That’s where LOVE comes in.

L – Load

Introduce gentle, progressive movement and weight-bearing activities as tolerated. Early loading helps promote tissue repair and rebuild strength.

O – Optimism

Your mindset matters. Staying positive and confident in your recovery process can reduce fear and improve outcomes.

V – Vascularisation

Engage in pain-free cardiovascular activity like walking, cycling, or swimming. This increases blood flow and supports healing.

E – Exercise

Do targeted rehab exercises to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. These should be guided by a physiotherapist when possible.

🧠 Why PEACE & LOVE Works 🧠

This approach reflects the latest research in sports medicine and rehab. It moves away from passive treatments and focuses on:

• Active recovery

• Patient education

• Mental wellbeing

• Long-term resilience

“Treat the person, not just the injury. PEACE & LOVE puts the athlete and their recovery journey at the center.”

💡 Final Thoughts 💡

Soft tissue injuries don’t have to keep you sidelined for long. By following the PEACE & LOVE protocol, you're giving your body the best chance to heal effectively and confidently.

Need guidance creating a recovery plan? Contact us today for an individualised recovery plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. All our Osteopaths and remedial massage therapists are trained to get you back on your feet as soon as possible!