PEACE + LOVE

When it comes to treating a sprained ankle, what is it that we think is the correct approach for better healing? Most times we think of protecting the joint, resting, icing it, compressing the area, and keeping it elevated (ie: PRICE).

This was once thought to be the most effective approach to treating a sprained joint, but just like everything else in life, things change. Through years of research, there is a new approach to treating soft-tissue injuries and it is known as…. PEACE & LOVE.

This new acronym covers the rehabilitation continuum from immediate care (PEACE) to subsequent management (LOVE).

Immediately after injury we want PEACE:

P = Protect (avoid painful movements 1-3 days after)

E = Elevation (keep injured limb higher than heart as often as possible)

A = Avoid Anti-Inflammatories (they reduce tissue healing)

• Avoid icing!!

C = Compression (Bandage/taping to reduce swelling)

E = Education (listen to your body, active movement is best)

After a few days have passed, the tissues need some LOVE:

L = Load (Slowly add stress to the joint to see how body feels/responds)

O = Optimism (Being confident and positive will lead to better recovery)

V = Vascularization (Choose pain-free cardiovascular activities to increase blood flow)

E = Exercise (Restore mobility, strength, and proprioception with adaptive activities)

All in all, movement is medicine. Listen to your body and train it the right way and you’ll be back to doing what you love sooner!