"Put some ice on it." Yes or No? 
For years, RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation – has been the standard recommended treatment for soft-tissue injuries. But many experts are now voicing concern over whether RICE aids healing because it focuses on acute management and ignores sub-acute and chronic stages of tissue healing. Scientific evidence shows that cooling the injured soft tissue causes vasoconstriction (tightening of blood vessels). This means that healing cells cannot reach the injured tissue, thereby slowing the healing response. 

So, if RICE is out, what should you do? The newest acronym covers rehabilitation from immediate care of injury (PEACE) to ongoing management (LOVE). PEACE & LOVE, that sounds really nice! 

   PROTECTION
   Avoid activities and movements that increase
   pain during the first few days after the injury.



   ELEVATION
   Elevate the injured limb higher than the heart
   as often as possible.

   AVOID ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
   Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications as
   they reduce tissue healing and YES, avoid icing. 

   COMPRESSION
   Use elastic bandages or
   taping to reduce swelling.

   EDUCATION
   Your body knows best. Avoid unnecessary
   passive treatments and medical investigations,
   and let nature play its role.

   LOAD
   Let pain guide your gradual return to normal
   activities. Your body will tell you when it's safe
   to increase the load.

   OPTIMISM
   Condition your brain for optimal recovery   
   by being confident and positive.

   VASCULARISATION
   Choose pain-free cardiovascular activities
   that increase blood flow to help repair
   soft tissues.



   EXERCISE
   Restore mobility, strength, and proprioception  
   by adopting an active approach to recovery.

While loading and exercise are a huge part of recovery after an injury, it is best to gradually return with the consultation of our athletic trainer, Molly.  If any student-athlete is referred to or sees an outside provider/doctor for an injury, athletes are REQUIRED to obtain a clearance note to return to activity. It would be beneficial to mention to the doctor that there is an athletic trainer at our school as Molly may be able to progress the student faster if they don’t write a standard “out for 2 weeks with no activity” type of note.