Of the three over the counter NSAIDs (acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen), ibuprofen has the best antiinflammatory properties. Ibuprofen is sold as generic or brand name Motrin or Advil. It not only decreases pain but it is superior to aspirin and tylenol in decreasing swelling as well. Therefore, for muscle injuries, ibuprofen would be the better choice (provided you don’t have any contraindications such as allergies to the drug, gastric ulcers, heart disease, etc.)