International Ibuprofen Foundation - Uses of Ibuprofen: Muscular Pain

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Ibuprofen for muscular pain and soft tissue injury
Ibuprofen relieves the pain and tenderness associated with painful muscular conditions and soft tissue injury; it may also reduce swelling associated with minor injury. In subjects who had undergone strenuous exercise, treatment with ibuprofen 400 mg three times daily significantly reduced perceived muscle soreness(1).

In patients with minor soft tissue injuries of the ankle, ibuprofen 400mg significantly reduced pain experienced at rest and during movement; in this study, ibuprofen and aspirin 600 mg were equally effective in reducing pain on movement and the severity of tenderness and swelling(2).

Ibuprofen vs. indomethacin
Ibuprofen has also been shown to be as effective as the NSAID indomethacin (a prescription-only drug) in relieving pain and tenderness associated with painful soft tissue conditions, including tendonitis, lumbago, bursitis and fibrositis(3).

Muscular Pain
Muscular pain is associated with a wide range of acute soft tissue injuries including bursitis, tendonitis, lumbago, periarthritis, tennis elbow, sprains, strains and muscular problems associated with sports injuries or accidents. These conditions typically cause pain and inflammation and over-the-counter ibuprofen has become established as an effective treatment for relieving the symptoms associated with them.

References
1. Hasson SM et al. Effect of ibuprofen use on muscle soreness, damage and performance. A preliminary investigation. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 1993;25:9-17

2. Boots Healthcare International, Data on File M93071

3. Valtonen EJ, Busson M. A comparative study on ibuprofen (Brufen) and indomethacin in non-articular rheumatism. Scand J Rheumatol 1978;7:183-7