Traumatic injuries, such as sprains, muscle contusions, strains, or tears, can result from everyday accidents, sports activities, or workplace accidents.

During your lifetime, it is very likely that you will suffer a traumatic injury. In many cases, rehabilitation is necessary to ensure a full recovery. Here are some general tips to optimize healing for this type of injury.

Peace & Love: The acronym to remember!

Promoted by the Runner's Clinic, the acronym Peace & Love is a mnemonic device to remember the different steps recommended for recovering from an injury.

What you need to remember to recover properly from an injury:

→ First, observe a “PEACE” rest phase, during which you should stop any activities that cause pain. If you have swelling, elevate the injured limb and apply compression with a bandage or tape. It is also advisable to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, unless specifically recommended by your doctor, to promote better healing.

→ Once the acute phase has passed, to optimize your recovery, gradually begin specific mobility and strengthening exercises targeting the injured joint and muscles. In addition, do cardiovascular activities that do not affect the painful area. For example, if you have a knee injury, you can ride a stationary bike using your arms.

→ Finally, stay optimistic about your recovery. Tissue healing takes time, and this time frame cannot be shortened. Even though pain can make the situation difficult, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for improving your mental and physical health.

Here is a table showing average healing times based on the type of tissue injured and the severity of the injury:

Sources :

[1] Dubois B, Esculier JF. Soft-tissue injuries simply need PEACE and LOVE. Br J Sports Med. janv 2020;54(2):72‑3.