Welcome to “The PT Handbook!” This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world.
This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at “Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC” where our patient population includes athletes and active individuals. Reply to this email with questions!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: The Injury Advice That’s Outdated
Less Ice and NSAIDS and get movin'
Twist an ankle. Strain a muscle. Pull something at the gym. Happens all the time, I see it every day as a physical therapist.
And for years, the advice was always the same for whatever reason....never evolving...often said by primary care providers or just old school medical providers.
Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation.
Ah yes, RICE. Classic. Too classic actually. Old. Outdated.
One of the biggest changes in sports medicine over the last decade is how we think about injury recovery.
Inflammation isn't always the enemy. It's one of your body's natural healing responses.
That doesn't mean more inflammation is always better but it does mean that immediately trying to eliminate it isn't always the best strategy either.
That's one reason many healthcare professionals have moved away from the old R.I.C.E. approach and toward the PEACE & LOVE framework. (Just google it, it's a nice framework and I'll explain a bit below).
Instead of simply trying to reduce symptoms, the goal is to support your body's natural healing process while gradually returning to movement.
PEACE & LOVE FRAMEWORK- This essentially states (without typing out the whole acronym lol) protecting the injured area early, avoiding unnecessary anti-inflammatory treatments when appropriate (like ice or NSAIDs), educating yourself about the injury, and progressively reintroducing movement and exercise.
Movement is medicine but timing matters. Too much, too soon can be a setback. Too little for too long can slow recovery. It's a gentle dance. A gentle balance. Just like anything in life.
Finding that balance is where good rehab makes the biggest difference.
Recovery doesn't stop once the pain starts to improve. If anything that means to reinforce the area even more so it doesn't happen again. If physical therapy stops here, then it's not true physical therapy.
The takeaway:
The goal isn't to eliminate every bit of inflammation. The goal is to create the best environment for your body to heal.
Sometimes that means doing less.
Sometimes it means moving sooner than you think.
Knowing the difference can make all the difference. That's why you should come to Art of PT to know when to do what ☺
Got back pain or hurt your knee running? Hit the “contact us” link below!😊
My newest podcast with coach Ramy is below! We talk how to better structure your gym routine and the HORRORS of bad physical therapy treatments. Enjoy😃
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Bye,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body