A pulled muscle, a strained back, or general muscular aches can make everyday life uncomfortable, and waiting for a GP appointment is not always practical when you just want relief. At Putney Pharmacy, our Muscle Ache Service offers a quick, private consultation and, where appropriate, a short course of naproxen to help you manage pain and get moving again.
Muscle aches and strains commonly result from overexertion, awkward movements, poor posture, or minor injuries during exercise or everyday activity. This leads to inflammation in the affected muscle or surrounding tissue, which is what causes the pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling that follows. Most muscle strains improve within a few days to a couple of weeks with appropriate rest and pain relief, but ongoing pain relief can make that recovery period far more manageable and allow you to keep moving safely while you heal.
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing the chemicals in the body responsible for inflammation and pain, helping to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. Because it targets inflammation directly rather than just masking pain, it can be particularly effective for muscular strains where swelling is contributing to the discomfort. During your consultation, our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and medical history to confirm naproxen is a suitable option for you, and will explain how to take it safely, including taking it with food to help protect your stomach.
Your consultation is quick and straightforward. The pharmacist will ask where the pain is located, how long you have had it, what caused it if known, and whether you have tried anything for it already. They will also check your medical history and any other medicines you are taking to make sure naproxen will not interact with them or worsen an existing condition. Once cleared, the pharmacist will explain the recommended course and what to do if your symptoms do not settle as expected.
| Service | Price | Course Length |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Ache Consultation and Naproxen Prescription | £30 | Short course |
Naproxen is not suitable for everyone. Our pharmacist will check for the following before confirming a suitable course of treatment for you.
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| History of stomach ulcers | NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Asthma | Some people with asthma can experience a worsening of symptoms with NSAIDs. |
| Kidney or heart problems | NSAIDs can put extra strain on the kidneys and cardiovascular system. |
| Pregnancy | Naproxen is generally avoided, particularly in later pregnancy. |
Pain relief works best alongside sensible self-care. Resting the affected muscle for the first day or two, applying a cold pack for short periods to reduce swelling, and gently stretching as pain allows can all support recovery. Try to avoid staying completely still for long periods, as gentle movement generally helps muscles heal faster than complete rest. If your pain does not improve within a few days, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, fever, or a visibly swollen limb, our pharmacist will advise you on whether further medical assessment is needed. You can find further background on NSAID pain relief on the NHS medicines information page, and general advice on managing sprains and strains on the NHS sprains and strains page.
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Private consultation | One-to-one assessment of your symptoms and medical history |
| Suitability check | Review of other medicines and conditions before treatment is confirmed |
| Short course of treatment | Supplied where clinically appropriate, following your consultation |
Muscle pain rarely waits for a convenient appointment slot. Our Muscle Ache Service means you can walk in, speak to a qualified pharmacist, and walk out with a suitable short course of treatment, often on the same day.
Don’t let muscle pain hold you back. Book your Muscle Ache Service consultation below.
