You might think taking that taking ibuprofen can decrease muscle soreness and help get you through your next workout. But taking anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen too often or in too high a dosage can interfere with muscle development and strength. Taking just 1,200 mg doses a day for a few weeks could potentially have some dramatic effects.
“Anti-inflammatory medications, like Advil, are often used to relieve delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS),” says personal trainer Marissa West. But a little bit of natural inflammation that comes from working those muscles can actually help with building protein and speeding recovery. “NSAIDs overuse can interfere with prostanoid production, which aids in the muscle building process,” she explains.
If you’re injured, too, be especially careful about how long to keep taking ibuprofen. “Unfortunately, with any exercise program, injuries can happen. Injuries such as plantar fasciitis can cause muscle loss from disuse,” says West.