Alternatives for NSAIDs

Proteolytic enzymes, such as Bromelain or Papain, can be good pain relievers because they work as anti-inflammatories if taken on an empty stomach.  When taken in the presence of food, these natural substances (Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple, for example) help break down proteins in your gut.  However, when taken without food, these same substances break down excess fibrin in your circulatory system and in other connective tissue (i.e. muscle) which often deprive the tissue of the essential blood necessary for healing (via oxygen delivery and the removal of metabolic waste).  Besides, countless studies show that NSAIDs actually slow down the healing process: http://www.electrotherapy.org/downloads/Modalities/nsaid%20delay%20healing.pdf