Doctors commonly prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with the pain and swelling caused by muscle strain. But some health experts think that using these medications right after a muscle strain takes away the body’s natural ability to help the injury and actually delays healing.
When a muscle is strained, the body sends out inflammatory cells through the bloodstream to help the area start to heal. Once this critical step is well underway, NSAIDs become a valuable treatment for muscle strain.