Bromley Sports Injury Clinic
POLICE Principle for Acute Injuries – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic
Key Points
-
The POLICE principle is the gold standard for managing acute sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and tendon injuries.
-
It replaces the older RICE method, emphasising optimal loading rather than complete rest.
-
It helps protect the injured area while promoting faster recovery and reducing complications.
👉 Related: Ligament Sprains
What is the POLICE Principle?
The POLICE principle stands for:
-
P – Protection: Safeguard the injured area from further damage in the early stage (e.g. brace, crutches).
-
OL – Optimal Loading: Begin gentle, pain-free movement as soon as possible to encourage healing — avoiding total rest where safe.
-
I – Ice: Apply ice packs (10–15 minutes at a time) to reduce pain and swelling.
-
C – Compression: Use bandages or supports to control swelling.
-
E – Elevation: Raise the injured area above heart level where possible to reduce swelling.
This method is widely supported in modern sports medicine as a more active and effective way of managing acute soft tissue injuries.
When to Use POLICE
The POLICE principle is recommended for managing:
-
Knee injuries (e.g. Medial Knee Pain, Outside Knee Pain)
-
Sports injuries from running, football, tennis, and gym training
Why POLICE Works
-
Prevents further damage in the acute phase (first 48–72 hours).
-
Encourages early, safe activity to stimulate tissue healing.
-
Reduces swelling, stiffness, and pain.
-
Helps patients return to sport and activity faster.
-
Download Your Free POLICE Principle PDF
We’ve created a one-page patient guide to the POLICE principle — clear, practical, and easy to follow.
📥 Download the POLICE PDF Guide
FAQs – POLICE Principle
Q: Is POLICE better than RICE?
Yes. POLICE updates RICE by adding optimal loading, which encourages safe, gradual use of the injured area rather than complete rest.
Q: How soon should I apply POLICE?
As soon as possible after an acute injury (ideally within the first few hours).
Q: Can I use POLICE for chronic injuries?
It’s best suited for acute injuries. Chronic or recurring injuries may need different rehab strategies.
Q: Do I still need professional assessment?
Yes. POLICE helps manage the initial phase, but an assessment ensures no serious damage (ligament rupture, fracture, tendon tear).
Book Your Appointment
If you’ve suffered a recent injury, don’t rely on self-care alone. Book your acute injury assessment in Bromley today to ensure the right diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.
📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available
