Why PEACE & LOVE is Replacing RICE in Injury Recovery
For years, the go-to advice for managing sprains and soft tissue injuries was RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
While it helped simplify first aid advice, recent research has led to a more evidence-informed model—PEACE & LOVE. This updated approach doesn’t just focus on short-term pain relief but emphasises long-term healing, tissue adaptation, and patient empowerment.
So what exactly is PEACE & LOVE—and why are professionals like chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists shifting to it?
What is PEACE & LOVE?
Developed by Dubois & Esculier in 2019 (British Journal of Sports Medicine), PEACE guides the initial (acute) management of soft tissue injuries, while LOVE addresses the subacute and longer-term recovery phase.
Phase 1: PEACE – The First 1–3 Days After Injury
P – Protect
Avoid movements or activities that increase pain for the first few days. This prevents further tissue damage—but protection doesn’t mean total rest.
E – Elevate
Raise the injured area above heart level where possible, to help fluid drain and reduce swelling.
A – Avoid Anti-inflammatories
Contrary to popular belief, early use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen may hinder healing by reducing the body’s natural inflammatory response, which is vital for tissue repair.
C – Compress
Apply external pressure with taping or bandages to reduce swelling and provide support to the area.
E – Educate
Clinicians should empower patients with information about their injury, expected healing times, and what to expect. Encouraging an active approach to recovery leads to better outcomes.
Phase 2: LOVE – The Ongoing Recovery Phase
L – Load
As pain allows, gradually reintroduce movement and load to the injured tissue. Loading promotes tissue repair, strength, and resilience.
O – Optimism
Mental outlook matters. Positive beliefs, confidence in recovery, and avoiding catastrophising are linked to better healing and pain outcomes.
V – Vascularisation
Start gentle cardiovascular activity—like walking or cycling—as soon as appropriate. This promotes circulation and healing, without stressing the injured area.
E – Exercise
Rehabilitation exercises help restore mobility, strength, and function. A specific plan from a chiropractor, osteopath, or physiotherapist supports a safe return to activity and reduces reinjury risk.
Why PEACE & LOVE Matters
It’s more than symptom control: RICE focused on short-term relief. PEACE & LOVE encourages long-term healing through active recovery.
It puts you in control: This model empowers patients, discouraging over-reliance on passive treatments.
It reflects the latest research: There’s increasing evidence that early movement, patient education, and psychological factors all contribute significantly to recovery outcomes.
How We Use This at Proactive Chiropractic
At our clinic, we incorporate the PEACE & LOVE approach into our injury management protocols. Whether you’re dealing with a sports sprain, a gym injury, or just a rolled ankle on a dog walk, we can assess the severity, help you protect and load the tissue safely, and guide your rehab to get you back to doing what you love.
While RICE had its place, it’s time to move forward with a more comprehensive approach. PEACE & LOVE represents a shift in how we think about recovery—focusing on the body’s ability to heal when supported with the right guidance, movement, and mindset.
If you’ve experienced a soft tissue injury and want a personalised recovery plan based on the latest evidence, book in with one of our chiropractors or osteopaths. We’re here to support your healing every step of the way.