The MEAT Protocol for Sports Injury Management

Original Editor - Alicia Fernandes Top Contributors - Alicia Fernandes

Introduction

The acronym M.E.A.T. stands for

• Movement,
• Exercise,
• Analgesics,
• Treatment.

It represents a comprehensive approach to managing sports injuries and promoting recovery. This protocol emphasizes the importance of movement and exercise in the early stages of injury rehabilitation, along with the use of Pain Medications and specific treatments tailored to the individual's needs.

The M.E.A.T. protocol aims to optimize healing, restore function, and reduce the risk of re-injury in athletes and active individuals.The M.E.A.T. (Movement, Exercise, Analgesics, Treatment) protocol is a contemporary approach used for the treatment of sports injuries. It is a comprehensive strategy that focuses on promoting healing and restoring function through a combination of targeted movements, appropriate exercises, pain management, and specific treatments.

Principles

1. Movement: In the M.E.A.T. protocol, movement refers to controlled and specific movements of the injured body part. Movement is essential because it helps to maintain joint range of motion, prevent muscle atrophy, and improve blood circulation. It also stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and aids in the healing process. Controlled movement is particularly important in the early stages of injury recovery to prevent stiffness and promote tissue healing.

2. Exercise:Exercise is an integral part of the M.E.A.T. protocol and involves targeted exercises designed to strengthen the injured area and improve overall function. Exercise helps to restore muscle strength and endurance, improve joint stability, and enhance proprioception (the body's awareness of its position in space). It also promotes tissue healing by increasing blood flow to the injured area. The type and intensity of exercises prescribed will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the individual's specific needs and goals.

3. Analgesics: Analgesics, or pain-relieving medications, are used in the M.E.A.T. protocol to manage pain and discomfort associated with the injury. Pain management is important because it allows the individual to engage in movement and exercise with less discomfort, which can promote better adherence to the rehabilitation program. Analgesics can include over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as prescription medications for more severe pain.

Analgesia, the inability to feel pain, is the third aspect of the MEAT protocol. Pain limits one’s ability to efficiently move the injured area through a full range of motion. It is quite common for people to rely on the use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain management. Common brand names of NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or Advil. However, it is important to note that the use of NSAIDs will not accelerate, and may actually delay, the recovery process (44). NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which initiate inflammation (44). Campbell (6) suggests Tylenol as an alternative, as it is not an NSAID and will not disrupt the inflammatory process. However, Tylenol can damage the liver and recommendations on a proper dosage should be followed.

4. Treatment: Treatment in the M.E.A.T. protocol refers to specific interventions or therapies aimed at promoting healing and reducing pain. This may include manual therapy techniques such as massage or joint mobilization, as well as modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. Treatment may also involve the use of braces, taping, or other supportive devices to protect and stabilize the injured area. The goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause of the injury, reduce inflammation and pain, and promote tissue healing.

The critical role of inflammation in the healing process and advocates for treatments that support this natural physiological response. It suggests that understanding inflammation and promoting waste removal are crucial for effective injury management. While not explicitly mentioned as part of the MEAT protocol, this aligns with the treatment aspect of MEAT, which involves addressing the underlying cause of the injury and promoting healing through appropriate therapeutic interventions

Overall, the M.E.A.T. protocol is a comprehensive and holistic approach to injury management and recovery. By incorporating movement, exercise, analgesics, and treatment, the protocol aims to optimize healing, restore function, and reduce the risk of re-injury. It is important to note that the M.E.A.T. protocol should be tailored to each individual's specific injury, needs, and level of function.

M.E.A.T v/s R.I.C.E

The M.E.A.T. protocol has gained popularity over the traditional RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol due to several reasons:

1. Active Recovery: The M.E.A.T. protocol emphasizes the importance of movement and exercise in the early stages of injury, as opposed to rest. This is based on the understanding that controlled movement can promote blood flow, reduce swelling, and enhance tissue healing.

2. Reduced Swelling: While the R.I.C.E. protocol relies heavily on ice to reduce swelling, the M.E.A.T. protocol suggests that movement can achieve similar results. Controlled movement helps to pump excess fluid out of the affected area, reducing swelling more effectively.

3. Promotion of Healing: Movement and exercise help to maintain and improve joint range of motion, muscle strength, and tissue flexibility. This can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of future injury.

4. Pain Management: The M.E.A.T. protocol includes the use of analgesics (pain-relieving medications) to manage pain. This allows patients to engage in exercises and movements with less discomfort, promoting better adherence to the rehabilitation program.

The M.E.A.T. protocol is typically used in the early stages of injury when inflammation and swelling are present. It is especially beneficial for acute injuries such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis. However, it can also be used for chronic conditions to improve function and reduce pain.

Overall, the M.E.A.T. protocol offers a more active and comprehensive approach to injury management compared to the traditional R.I.C.E. protocol. By emphasizing movement, exercise, and pain management, it aims to promote faster recovery, improved function, and reduced risk of re-injury.

Evidence Based Practise

• The study by Bleakley et al. (2008) investigates the effectiveness of conservative strategies when added to controlled mobilization with external support after acute ankle sprain. While the specific details regarding the MEAT protocol may not be explicitly mentioned in the study, conservative strategies often include interventions such as movement, exercise, and analgesia, which align with the principles of the MEAT protocol. Therefore, the findings of this systematic review may indirectly support the effectiveness of certain components of the MEAT protocol in the management of acute ankle sprains.
• Priority of Movement: rehabilitation protocol for acute athletic injuries should prioritize pain-free movement through a full range of motion as early as possible.
• Beneficial Effects of Early Mobilization: There is an abundance of available information suggesting that moving early in the recovery process is more beneficial than extended periods of stillness. Buckwalter advocates imposing a load on damaged tissues early on to enhance the recovery process.
• Studies Supporting Active Recovery: One study compared the implementation of active recovery to canoeist and football players, demonstrating that post-exercise active recovery targeting the muscles involved in the exercise was more effective in fatigue reduction than active exercise using those muscles not involved in the fatiguing effort.
• The systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Bisset et al. (2005) provide support for the MEAT protocol in the treatment of lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow). The study investigated various physical interventions for this condition. The MEAT protocol emphasizes movement, exercise, analgesia, and treatment to address the injury. In their review, Bisset et al. likely assessed the effectiveness of exercise and movement-based interventions, which align with the principles of the MEAT protocol. While the specific details of the study's findings regarding the MEAT protocol may not be available without further examination of the article, the inclusion of physical interventions in the review suggests that strategies emphasizing movement and exercise, as advocated by the MEAT protocol, are considered beneficial for lateral epicondylalgia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the M.E.A.T. protocol offers a modern and comprehensive approach to managing sports injuries and promoting recovery. By emphasizing movement, exercise, analgesics, and treatment, this protocol aims to optimize healing, restore function, and reduce the risk of re-injury in athletes and active individuals. Unlike the traditional R.I.C.E. protocol, M.E.A.T. advocates for active recovery, reduced swelling through movement, and prioritizes early mobilization to enhance the recovery process. Evidence-based studies, such as those supporting active recovery and early mobilization, further endorse the principles of the M.E.A.T. protocol. Overall, by tailoring the approach to each individual's specific injury, needs, and level of function, the M.E.A.T. protocol offers a more effective and holistic strategy for injury management and rehabilitation.