Methyl Salicylate/Rubefacient

Does this thing work for treating joint pain (topical use)?

To quote Wikipedia:

"A rubefacient is a substance for external application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.

They are believed to relieve pain by a counterirritant effect, and many act via transient receptor potential ion channels. There is limited and conflicting evidence as to the efficacy of rubefacients."

Would I be better off with topical NSAIDs?

Thanks!

DMSO can be used, but just be careful when using it and from where you get it as DMSO is used as a transporter topical solution. This is why the NFL banned DMSO usage years ago - 1) not approved by the FDA, 2) many athletes were using it as a means for steroid transportation into the body rather than injection. I have known athletes who have used it for inflammation issues and usually got DMSO for horses from an animal/farming shop as usage. Just be careful as contamination can be common if not properly stored or handled.