Injury management is an essential part of maintaining our physical health. In the past, the RICE method was a popular acronym used to manage injuries.
However, recent research suggests that the PEACE and LOVE approach may be more effective for injury management. In this blog post, we'll discuss the history of the RICE method, why it's outdated, and the step-by-step instructions for using the PEACE and LOVE acronym for injury management.
History of the RICE Method:
The RICE method was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a sports medicine doctor. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. At the time, the RICE method was widely accepted as the best way to manage injuries. However, recent research suggests that the RICE method may not be as effective as once thought.
Research has shown that the Rest and Ice components of the RICE method may actually hinder the body's natural healing process. Resting for too long can cause muscles to weaken, and ice can decrease blood flow to the injured area, slowing down the healing process.
PEACE and LOVE for Injury Management:
PEACE and LOVE are two acronyms that have been developed as an alternative to the RICE method. These acronyms provide a more holistic approach to injury management, focusing on promoting the body's natural healing process.
PEACE:
P - Protect the injured area from further harm or stress. This may involve immobilizing the area or using supports such as crutches or slings.
E - Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and promote blood flow to the affected area.
A - Avoid anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, for the first 48-72 hours after the injury, as these can interfere with the body's natural healing process.
C - Compress the injured area with a bandage or wrap to reduce swelling and provide support.
E - Educate the injured person about their injury and how to manage it, including how to properly rest, stretch, and rehabilitate the area.
LOVE:
L - Load management: Gradually increase the amount of weight or activity on the injured area as the injury heals, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
O - Optimism: Maintaining a positive attitude can help with healing and recovery.
V - Vascularization: Promote blood flow to the injured area through gentle movement and exercise.
Incorporate rehabilitation exercises into a daily routine to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Step-by-Step Instructions for PEACE and LOVE (example):
Protect the injured area from further harm or stress.
Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and promote blood flow to the affected area.
Avoid anti-inflammatory medication for the first 48-72 hours after the injury.
Compress the injured area with a bandage or wrap to reduce swelling and provide support.
Educate the injured person about their injury and how to manage it, including how to properly rest, stretch, and rehabilitate the area.
Gradually increase the amount of weight or activity on the injured area as the injury heals, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Maintain a positive attitude to help with healing and recovery.
Promote blood flow to the injured area through gentle movement and exercise.
Incorporate rehabilitation exercises into a daily routine to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Overall, injury management is an essential part of maintaining our physical health. While the RICE method was once widely accepted as the best way to manage injuries, recent research suggests that the PEACE and LOVE approach may be more effective.
References
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Bleakley CM, Davison G. Management of acute soft tissue injury using protection rest ice compression and elevation: recommendations from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in sports and exercise medicine (ACPSM)[executive summary]. Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine. 2010:1-24.
Bleakley CM, Glasgow P, MacAuley DC. PRICE needs updating, should we call the POLICE? British Journal of Sports Medicine 2012;46:220-221.
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Bleakley CM, O’Connor SR, Tully MA, Rocke LG, MacAuley DC, Bradbury I, Keegan S, McDonough SM. Effect of accelerated rehabilitation on function after ankle sprain: randomised controlled trial. Bmj. 2010 May 10;340.
La Clinique du Coureur. PEACE & LOVE: New acronym for the treatment of traumatic injuries. Published on 30 August 2019. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGTabgG7GIU (last accessed 25 June 2020)
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