02/02/2026
Early Injury Management – PEACE & LOVE ❤️🩹
You might have heard of RICE or RICER for early injuries — and they can still help with pain and swelling.
But the more modern, evidence-based approach is PEACE & LOVE, guiding both early care and recovery.
PEACE (early phase):
🛡 Protect – reduce aggravating load early, but avoid complete rest
⬆️ Elevate – helpful early if swelling is present
💊 Avoid anti-inflammatory overload – meds aren’t always needed; if pain is severe or affecting sleep, speak with your GP or pharmacist
🩹 Compress – bandage or sock to help manage swelling
📚 Educate – injuries heal with the right guidance, not fear
LOVE (recovery phase):
🏋️ Load – gradual, appropriate loading is key
🧠 Optimism – confidence matters for recovery
🚶 Vascularisation – keep moving where safe
🤸 Exercise – tailored rehab to restore function
Extra tips:
❄️ Ice can help pain/swelling in the first 24–48 hours, but it’s not essential for healing
➡️ Early movement and gradual loading are what really drive recovery
Not sure what’s safe or need guidance?
👋 Come see one of our amazing physios — we’ll help you get back confidently and safely.
