Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from across the Diamond Valley, including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna and Heidelberg. No referral needed, free parking, onsite X-ray when clinically indicated and HICAPS claiming on the spot.
Anti-inflammatory or pain medication: a guide from the Bodyline Health team at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty.
How your body heals an injury
When you injure a muscle, tendon, ligament or bone, your body starts an inflammatory response. Blood flow increases, the area swells and becomes tender, and repair cells move in. Our article on what happens when you hurt a muscle or joint explains the stages.
Inflammation is uncomfortable, but it is also the first step in healing.
Anti-inflammatory medicines
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, reduce pain and inflammation. They can help when pain and swelling are limiting sleep and movement.
But they are not right for everyone. They can irritate the stomach and affect the kidneys, heart and blood pressure, and they interact with some other medicines. There is also debate about whether heavy use in the first days after some injuries may slow certain types of tissue healing.
Simple pain relief
Paracetamol relieves pain without reducing inflammation. For many people it is a gentler first option, but it is still important to stay within the dose on the pack and avoid doubling up with combination products.
So, anti-inflammatory or pain medication?
There is no single answer. In general:
- Ask your pharmacist or GP before starting any medicine, especially if you take other medicines or have health conditions
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time
- Use medicine to help you keep moving, not to push through activities that are making the injury worse
- If you need pain relief for more than a few days, get the injury assessed
What else helps an injury heal
- Relative rest – reduce aggravating activities, but keep moving within comfort
- Ice or heat for comfort
- Sleep, hydration and good nutrition
- A graded return to activity with exercises to rebuild strength
Hands-on care and a rehabilitation plan can reduce reliance on medication. See our page on lumbar sprain and physiotherapy in Lower Plenty.
Who at Bodyline Health can help with an injury?
Because our practitioners work under one roof, your care can be shared between people who talk to each other.
- Dr Phillip Mifsud (Chiropractor): assessment and care for spinal and joint injuries.
- Mary Fleming (Physiotherapist): rehabilitation after sprains and strains.
- Caroline Robertson (Accredited Practising Dietitian): nutrition to support recovery.
When to seek urgent medical help
Get urgent help if you cannot bear weight or move a joint after an injury, if a limb looks deformed, or if you have signs of an allergic reaction to a medicine such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing. In an emergency, call 000.
Further reading: Pain-relief medicines (Healthdirect Australia); Sprains and strains (Healthdirect Australia).
Common questions
Should I take ibuprofen for a sprain?
It may help pain and swelling for some people, but check with your pharmacist or GP first, especially if you have other health conditions.
Is it bad to take anti-inflammatories straight after an injury?
Inflammation is part of healing. Your pharmacist or GP can advise whether an anti-inflammatory is appropriate for you.
Can practitioners at Bodyline Health prescribe medicine?
No. Our allied health practitioners do not prescribe – please speak with your GP or pharmacist.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are unsure, see your GP or book an assessment.
