Episode Summary
Learn a simple, effective approach to acute knee injury recovery with the PEACE and LOVE method, from the crucial first 1–3 days to the next stage of healing. You’ll also discover early exercises that reduce swelling, restore movement, and help speed a safe return to activity.
Acute knee injury management is organised around the PEACE and LOVE approach, followed by early rehabilitation exercises. In the first 1 to 3 days, PEACE focuses on protecting the knee, elevating it above heart level, avoiding anti-inflammatory medication that may slow healing, using compression to reduce swelling, and educating the patient about exercises and load management. Compression is highlighted as especially important because reducing oedema can help speed return to training.
After the initial phase, LOVE guides recovery. This includes gradually loading the knee to promote healing, maintaining optimism because fear and depression may delay recovery, using vascular activity to improve circulation and reduce reliance on medication, and progressing with exercise for improvement and prevention.
Early exercises after injury or surgery include static quadriceps contractions with the leg straight, sometimes combined with ankle and big toe dorsiflexion to enhance activation. Leg swinging is recommended to improve traction, circulation, and movement, with optional assistance or resistance from the other leg. Standing glute exercises with small knee bends and heel raises are also introduced to support circulation, muscle activation, and knee function.
