WHAT IS DOMS?

DOMS stands for; Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness 


It is a sore, painful or aching feeling in muscles after an unfamiliar intensity of exercise or activity.

It usually starts between 24- 72 hours after and isn’t really felt in the first 24 hours. 


It is thought to be a temporary muscle damage and inflammation and is a mild muscle strain. 


DOMS generally gets better on its own over a few hours to a few days 


DOMS can be a good sign, it can indicate that the muscle is healing into a stronger muscle after a good training session. 


Massage has been shown to reduce the effects of stiffness and pain associated with DOMS if completed within 2 hours of the activity*


*J E Hilbert, G A Sforzo, T Swensen. The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness. Br J Sports Med 2003;37:72–75

Article accessed from Physio-pedia