Recover from injury faster with POLICE

POLICE may be here to re[place 2 well known injury management principles. R.I.C.E. or P.R.I.C.E. principles are well known ways to help treat an acute soft tissue injury, such as a sprain, strain or bruise, in the early days. The acronym stands for rest, ice, compression, elevation.

However, what’s not so widely known is that in recent years, the R. (Rest) element has been replaced with O.L. (Optimal Loading).

Why the change? 

Some rest initially can be beneficial, immediately after suffering an injury, but only for a very short period of time. What research shows is that early mobilisation (loading) stresses tissues in the correct manner for full recovery, whereas rest can actually impair optimal recovery of soft tissue injuries. Too much rest and you’ll quickly develop joint stiffness and muscle weakness.

Some injuries may require some ‘Protection’ such as using crutches for a few days, just to take the weight off a severe ankle injury, or a splint or brace for a wrist, ankle or knee. This will help to unload the injury enough to avoid further aggravation but still allow tissue stress to help with healing. But use of such protection should be minimised as inevitably you won’t be loading the area if it’s totally protected.

The hard part of this is correctly identify what exactly constitutes ‘Optimal Loading’, as it is different for different tissues and body parts. You can often use common sense, don’t be afraid to move and use the injured area within your own limits of pain. A mild pain is to be expected but anything more and you’re probably doing too much. You need to make sure that you keep progressing what you are doing, as this will help your injury heal better and longer term help prevent re-injury.

goPhysio POLICE PRICE

This is where seeking help from a Physio or Sports Therapist is great. They will combine their knowledge of the stages of healing with what you should and shouldn’t be doing to ‘load’ your healing tissues. They will give you a tailored and progressive exercise programme to make sure the healing tissues are given the optimal chance of long term recovery.

As with any injury, always seek medical advice if you are worried or concerned or want to get it checked out before starting any self directed management.

Some of the research: 

PRICE needs updating, shall we call the POLICE?

What Is the Evidence for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation Therapy in the Treatment of Ankle Sprains in Adults?

Reviews

What They Say​

Antonia Perez
Antonia Perez
2023-11-25
We got an appointment promptly, the appointment went smoothly. Very nice physios. 👌
Fran Helen
Fran Helen
2023-11-06
Really knowledgeable and supportive, with clear advice to help. I feel so reassured after this appointment, highly recommended, they really listened to me. Thank you.
Brenda Hinnell
Brenda Hinnell
2023-10-27
First visit and in urgent need of physio as really suffering from not being able to run. Lottie was very patient and understanding with a lovely manner. She worked wonders and I am looking forward to my next visit.
James Grierson
James Grierson
2023-10-21
Great first appointment, really listened to my problems annd thorough anssessment and have come up with a clear rehab plan to get me back on track.
Nuisha Russo
Nuisha Russo
2023-10-21
I had a really good visit to GoPhysio. I have had sciatica for two months and it wasn't showing any signs of improvement. Sophie gave me a thorough assessment and then provided acupuncture and ultra sound. After one visit my sciatica has almost gone. I am really pleased.
kay luffman
kay luffman
2023-10-08
Everyone at go physio is so helpful & friendly. I have been receiving treatment for golfers elbow from Hannah Gelder, and couldn’t be happier, I wish I had gone earlier! She explains everything well, and guides you through exercises etc. very amiable and makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend
Chris Kitchen
Chris Kitchen
2023-10-07
They are a great friendly team who always manage to sort my sports injuries out. Can recommend them highly
Mark Dewey
Mark Dewey
2023-10-05
Go Physio definitely the place to go, came away feeling better and reassured and with a plan going forward.
Christine Raw
Christine Raw
2023-10-05
Very professional service and excellent treatment. Listened and gave good advice.
Kay Horton
Kay Horton
2023-10-05
I have been attending goPhysio for about two years. As a company they are very professional and provide a very good level of service to include efficiency and courtesy and are always consistent in their approach. This very much includes the admin /reception team whom are the first people you make contact with. My Physio has excellent knowledge and has assisted me with sound advice and ongoing exercise regimes which are achievable and realistic. This has supported me well in between appointments. Although always busy I am normally able to see Roz at a mutually convenient time. Thank you to all the team