Evidence Based Recovery: Medications And Supplements NSAIDS Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used class of drugs in the world.
Evidence Based Recovery: Medications And Supplements NSAIDS Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used class of drugs in the world. Generally, they are used to treat pain, fever and/or inflammation. In athletes, they are used frequently to treat pain.
One in 7 high school athletes and 29% of college athletes use NSAIDs as a preventative measure on gameday. The mechanism of action of NSAIDS involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2. These inhibit the downstream production of prostaglandins, prostacyclins and thromboxanes which are responsible for a variety of physiologic processes.
This class of drugs can be further subdivided divided into non-selective NSAIDS and selective COX-1 inhibitors. Non-selective NSAIDS have been shown to impair healing in animal models. There is less evidence to support the notion that selective COX-1 inhibitors inhibit healing in animal models.
Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that the action of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, and COX-2 in particular, are important and even necessary to achieve maximal skeletal muscle hypertrophy in response to functional overload. NSAIDS may help with DOMS. In rabbit models, NSAIDS demonstrated reduced histologic evidence of contraction-induced skeletal muscle damage.
In a study of 33 athletes performing eccentric elbow contractions, celecoxib alleviated muscle soreness but did not detectably affect recovery of muscle function or markers of inflammation. Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Based on current evidence, there is little reason to believe that the occasional use of NSAIDs will negatively affect muscle growth, although the efficacy for their use in alleviating inflammatory symptoms remains questionable. Evidence on the hypertrophic effects of the chronic use of NSAIDs is less clear.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to evidence based recovery part 4: medications and supplements, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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