In this blog, we’re walking you through how we treat soft tissue injuries across our affiliated clinics using the PEACE & LOVE framework: a simple, effective, and evidence-informed way to help you heal and get back to doing what you love.
Soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, and muscle pulls are something we see almost every day. Whether it’s an ankle sprain from a soccer match or a shoulder injury from overuse, understanding how to manage these injuries properly makes a world of difference. Over the years, treatment approaches have evolved significantly, and we’re here to guide you through exactly how and why.
Let’s dive in and talk about how soft tissue management has transformed over time and what we now follow as best practice in our clinics.
If you’ve ever been injured, you’ve probably heard of RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. That was our go-to for quite a while. Eventually, we realized we needed to do more than just let the body rest. So we added Protection, turning it into PRICE.
But even that wasn’t enough. Next came POLICE, which stands for Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. That term introduced the importance of loading into recovery, and that’s where physiotherapists like us play a key role. We know how much to load, when to load, and how to do it in a way that supports healing.
And now, we’ve taken it a step further with something even more holistic: PEACE & LOVE.
We now use the PEACE & LOVE model in our clinics to manage soft tissue injuries more effectively. It’s not just about treating the injury; it’s about understanding the healing process, supporting the body, and addressing the whole person. Here’s how it works:
P – Protection
When you’re first injured, we recommend protecting the area, avoiding activities that can aggravate the tissue. Rest doesn’t mean doing nothing, but it does mean giving your body a window to begin the healing process. Different tissues heal at different rates, so we guide you based on your specific injury.
E – Elevation
If there’s noticeable swelling, elevation helps reduce it. Whether it’s using a pillow under your leg or a sling for your arm, it’s a simple but effective strategy to support circulation and fluid drainage.
A – Avoid Anti-Inflammatories
This might surprise some, but inflammation is actually the first stage of healing. Overloading your system with anti-inflammatory medications can interrupt this process. Yes, you can take one or two tablets if necessary, always under medical advice, but don’t rely on them. We focus on alternative pain management options to help your body heal naturally.
C – Compression
Compression helps control swelling and supports the affected area. In our clinics, we often use intermittent pneumatic compression devices, sleeves that provide a wave-like pressure to stimulate fluid movement. But even if you’re managing your injury at home, proper taping or bandaging can work wonders.
E – Education
This is a big one for us. When you understand why something hurts, how it heals, and what’s actually going on, your recovery improves dramatically. Pain isn’t always about tissue damage; factors like emotions, past experiences, stress, and even fear can play a major role in how pain is felt. We always take the time to educate you on these aspects so you feel empowered in your own recovery.
Once you’ve given the injury its initial care, we shift into the LOVE phase to actively support full recovery and return to activity.
L – Load
Gradual, controlled loading of the injured area is critical. This isn’t random; it’s based on your sport, your lifestyle, and your body. We plan this carefully, ensuring you’re not underloading or overloading the tissue.
O – Optimism
A positive mindset makes a real difference. We often hear people say things like “You’ll never play again” or “That’s it, you’re done.” Don’t let that fear take over. Stay hopeful, stay engaged in your recovery, and surround yourself with support.
V – Vascularization
We introduce cardiovascular activities to improve blood flow to the healing area. Whether it’s gentle cycling or guided movement, vascularization speeds up tissue repair. We build this into your rehab plan based on your injury and your sport.
E – Exercise
The final piece, and arguably the most important. Restoring mobility, strength, balance (proprioception), endurance, and coordination takes more than just stretching. That’s why we design individualized exercise programs for each patient. You won’t find a one-size-fits-all YouTube workout here. This is tailored, thoughtful, and progressive rehab built specifically for you.
All our affiliated clinics stick to what works: a structured, personalized approach that respects your body’s healing process and supports your long-term recovery.
With the PEACE & LOVE framework, we’re able to guide you from injury to full strength: safely, confidently, and effectively. From the very first rest day to your return to sport or daily activity, we’re here with you every step of the way.
Don’t stop here!
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