title: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol for acute musculoskeletal injuries: physiotherapists' understanding of which is safer, more effective, and when to initiate treatment.
abstract: Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners, and are often the first health professional to consult with patients presenting with acute sprains or strains, and such patients may ask for advice regarding medications. Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are readily available without a prescription and are commonly used by patients. The aim of this study was to investigate New Zealand physiotherapists' knowledge regarding the comparative safety, effectiveness, and appropriate timing of paracetamol and NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal sprains and strains. A questionnaire was mailed to all members of the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists currently practicing in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy (n = 948). Of 278 respondents (29.3%), just over half (52%) thought that NSAIDs were more effective than paracetamol in the treatment of sprains and strains. Almost half (45%) believed that NSAIDs should be withheld because of the potential for interrupting the beneficial role of inflammation in healing and that NSAIDs could increase bleeding into the injured tissue. In contrast, the majority of respondents (81%) recognised that there was no need to withhold paracetamol in the initial postinjury period. Knowledge regarding safety, effectiveness, and risks of paracetamol and NSAIDs may assist physiotherapists to recommend appropriate management of acute musculoskeletal injuries, within regulatory boundaries.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacy Practice Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. rhiannon.braund@otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: Rhiannon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Braund
authors.forename: J Haxby
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Abbott
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002983:Clinical Competence; D032882:Comprehension; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009520:New Zealand; D018579:Patient Selection; D059825:Physical Therapists / Q000523:psychology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000082:Acetaminophen