Exercise is often celebrated for its benefits, but anyone who has pushed themselves in the gym or tried a new workout knows the familiar ache that sets in a day or two later. This phenomenon, known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), is one of the most common experiences in fitness. While uncomfortable, DOMS is not a sign of harm — it’s part of the body’s natural adaptation to physical stress. Understanding what DOMS is, why it happens, and how to distinguish it from a true muscle injury is essential for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and beginners alike.
DOMS typically appears 24 to 72 hours after exercise, especially following eccentric movements where muscles lengthen under tension, such as downhill running or lowering weights. The soreness results from microscopic damage to muscle fibers, which triggers an inflammatory response. This process leads to stiffness, tenderness, and sometimes mild swelling. Contrary to old beliefs, lactic acid buildup is not the culprit; DOMS is more closely tied to structural changes in muscle tissue and the repair process. Symptoms usually peak around the second day and fade within five to seven days, leaving the muscles stronger and more resilient.
Read full article : https://medium.com/@drjineshks/delayed-onset-muscle-soreness-doms-what-it-is-and-how-to-tell-it-apart-from-injury-dd1ce3c93e2c
0 Comments