Injury Recovery Has Evolved: Why We Use PEACE & LOVE in Our Chiropractic Office

If you’ve ever been told to “just rest and ice it” after an injury, you’re not alone. For years, the standard response to sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries was the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. But as our understanding of tissue healing and recovery has grown, so has the science behind how we manage injuries.

At our movement-focused, evidence-based chiropractic clinic, we follow the updated and research-supported approach called PEACE & LOVE. This model reflects the latest thinking in injury management and long-term recovery — and it’s changing the game for athletes, active adults, and anyone dealing with musculoskeletal pain.

What Is PEACE?

PEACE is what we focus on during the initial 1–3 days following a soft tissue injury. It sets the stage for optimal healing by protecting the area without over-relying on passive rest.

• P – Protect: Short-term unloading of the injured area (like bracing or modified movement) can prevent further damage — but this doesn't mean complete immobility. Our goal is to maintain safe, functional movement as early as possible.

  
  

• E – Elevate: Raising the injured limb above the level of the heart can help manage swelling in the early phase.

  
  

• A – Avoid anti-inflammatories: While NSAIDs may reduce pain, they can interfere with your body’s natural healing process, especially in the first 48–72 hours. Inflammation is part of recovery — we don't want to shut it down entirely.

  
  

• C – Compress: Compression via wraps or taping can help reduce excessive swelling and provide joint support early on.

  
  

• E – Educate: Patient education is at the heart of our care. Understanding your injury, expected healing timelines, and what you should be doing (not just what to avoid) leads to better outcomes. We empower you to be an active participant in your recovery.

What Comes Next: LOVE

After the acute phase, we shift our focus to LOVE — the long-term strategy that gets you moving, rebuilding strength, and returning to your favorite activities.

• L – Load: Progressive, pain-guided loading is essential for healing. Movement encourages proper tissue remodeling and reduces the risk of reinjury. In our clinic, we prescribe safe, graded exercises specific to your injury and goals.

  
  

• O – Optimism: Your mindset directly impacts your recovery. We support you in building confidence in your body again. Fear-avoidance and negative expectations can slow healing — so we reinforce positive, realistic progress.

  
  

• V – Vascularization: Pain-free cardiovascular activity improves circulation and promotes healing. Whether it’s walking, cycling, or other light aerobic movement, we’ll help you find the right way to stay active.

  
  

• E – Exercise: Rehab exercises tailored to your injury help restore range of motion, strength, and stability. This isn’t just about feeling better — it’s about moving better for the long haul.

Why This Matters in Our Office

We don’t just treat symptoms — we address the root cause and guide you through an active, science-backed recovery process. Whether you’re a runner with a sprained ankle, a CrossFitter with a strained shoulder, or a parent who tweaked your back lifting a toddler, PEACE & LOVE allows us to support your healing without unnecessary rest or outdated protocols.

You won’t leave our office with a long list of things you can’t do. Instead, you’ll leave with a plan to rebuild strength, confidence, and performance.

Need Help Recovering from an Injury?

At Alameda Chiropractic & Ergonomics, we combine chiropractic care, movement assessment, and rehab strategies to get you back to doing what you love — faster and smarter. If you’re dealing with a recent injury or lingering pain, book an appointment today. Let’s create a plan rooted in PEACE & LOVE — and grounded in evidence.