For athletes and active individuals, muscle and tendon injuries can be frustrating setbacks. These injuries often come with pain, swelling, and discomfort, making it challenging to get back to your favorite activities.
In such situations, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be valuable allies in your recovery.
In this guide, we’ll explore why reducing pain and inflammation is crucial for rehabilitation, explain what NSAIDs are, discuss their safety, debunk the myth of interfering with healing, and offer tips on their use.
Why Reducing Pain and Inflammation Is Important for Rehabilitation
Pain Relief for Enhanced Mobility and Motivation
One of the primary goals of using NSAIDs after a muscle or tendon injury is pain relief.
Pain can significantly limit your mobility and discourage you from engaging in rehabilitation exercises.
By reducing pain, NSAIDs enable you to move more comfortably, ultimately supporting your recovery process.
Impact of Inflammation on Healing
Inflammation is part of your body’s natural healing response. It helps remove damaged tissue and initiates the repair process.
However, excessive or prolonged inflammation can be counterproductive. NSAIDs help strike the right balance by reducing harmful inflammation while allowing beneficial aspects of healing to continue.
Supporting Functionality and Preventing Complications
Reducing pain and inflammation supports the restoration of normal muscle and joint function. This is crucial for returning to your daily activities and sports or exercise routines.
Furthermore, managing inflammation helps prevent stiffness and minimizes the risk of long-term complications.

What Are NSAIDs?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are a class of medications readily available at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
These medications work by reducing inflammation, pain, and fever.
Some common over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve). Many active individuals find naproxen particularly effective since it only has to be taken every 12 hours.
Topical NSAIDS such as Voltaren are often useful for joint and tendon pain. The medication is absorbed through the skin to the site of injury to reduce pain and inflammation. Since tendons are nearer the skin usrface, topicals can be very effective.

Safe Use of NSAIDs For A Muscle or Tendon Injury
The good news is that NSAIDs have a generally good safety profile when used as directed, particularly for short-term pain management. It’s essential to follow these guidelines for safe use:
- Recommended Dosages: Always adhere to the recommended dosage on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional. Overuse can lead to side effects.
- Stomach Protection: Taking NSAIDs with food or milk can minimize the risk of stomach irritation.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are well-hydrated when using NSAIDs to protect your stomach lining.
- Limit Duration: NSAIDs are suitable for short-term use. If pain and inflammation persist more than 2 weeks, consult a healthcare provider.
Debunking the Myth of Interfering with Healing
There were concerns that NSAIDs might interfere with the body’s natural healing processes (Mischa 1995, Fowler 2018).
However, much of the research uses prescription NSAIDS and doses much higher than recommended in humans.
Other research is inconclusive (Duchman 2019) or has shown that these concerns are largely unfounded when NSAIDs are used at normal, recommended doses.
In fact, when used correctly, NSAIDs can effectively manage pain and inflammation without hindering the healing process (Morelli 2018, Dalle 202).
Used in the short term and conservatively, they offer a balanced approach, supporting mobility, pain management, and recovery.
Tips on NSAID Use
- Consistency: If the goal is to reduce pain and excessive inflammation, the medication needs to remain at a steady level in your system.
- Short-Term Use: NSAIDs are typically recommended for short-term use, often ranging from a few days to a few weeks. This is usually sufficient for managing pain and inflammation during the acute phase of your injury.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Seek guidance from a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have specific medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Monitor for Side Effects: Pay attention to any potential side effects or adverse reactions. If you experience unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
- Consider Alternative Therapies: You may be able to use alternative therapies or non-pharmacological interventions for ongoing pain management and rehabilitation. Localized cryotherapy, red light therapy, and PEMF may be helpful.
- Rest and Rehabilitation: Adhere to your rehab plans recommendations for rest and rehabilitation exercises. These play a significant role in your recovery.
Consider NSAIDs For a Muscle or Tendon Injury
Using NSAIDs for a muscle or tendon injury can be an effective part of your rehabilitation plan.
They help manage pain and inflammation, making it easier for you to move comfortably and engage in exercises.
The key is to use them as directed, consult healthcare professionals for guidance, and prioritize your overall well-being.
Remember, proper pain management can empower you to make a strong and speedy comeback to the activities you love.
References
Mishra DK, Fridén J, Schmitz MC, Lieber RL. Anti-inflammatory medication after muscle injury. A treatment resulting in short-term improvement but subsequent loss of muscle function. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1995;77(10):1510-1519. doi:10.2106/00004623-199510000-00005
Fowler C. Do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs impair tissue healing?. JAAPA. 2018;31(8):1-5.