[Broken_Hippo]

NSAIDs are taken orally

Not always. They sell ibuprofen in a tube so you can rub it on muscles. If you are in the US, you probably don't see it on your pharmacy shelves, though. The pharmacy I worked at didn't sell it (and it was a large chain), but all of the pharmacies I've seen in Norway have it.

[vorpalhex]

I have seen it in US pharmacies, both labeled as NSAID and non-labeled but containing NSAID precursors.

The labeled one had a measuring/dosage card attached which was really weird to me.

[danachow]

In the US topical diclofenac is common and sells well - brand name Voltaren. They (topical NSAIDs) are first line therapy for acute musculoskeletal pain.