Muscle fever, otherwise known as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS for short, is that very distinct muscle pain that everyone experiences after an unfamiliar or intense workout. Such pain makes itself known a day or two after said physical activity, sometimes, even after a good sleep. More than that, it lasts for a day or more. In certain instances, the pain is so severe that people mistake it for muscle strain or injury. DOMS is so common that it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the causes or triggers of it as well as some of the remedies that you can make right at home.
The Triggers of DOMS
Physical stresses and exercises that are outside the normal range of your body’s capacity are what causes DOMS. In fact, even the most well-conditioned and trained athletes experience this when they are subjected to a training program that is even harder than the one they are used to. When experiencing DOMS make sure you are aware of factors that can make it worse. Hydration is key when experiencing DOMS. If you are dehydrated after a tough workout it can increase the intensity of the pain ten fold.
Another factor to avoid is further metabolic or physical stress, such as a strong massage. It’s a commonly believed myth that a massage can actually improve muscle soreness. Instead of relieving the body of soreness, massages can actually aggravate it and increase the intensity of pain so you really need to make sure that you consult a professional, massage therapist with adequate credentials if you are going to consider massage for the issue. Aside from physical stress, other factors that could trigger DOMS, as cited by some researchers, are genetics and eccentric and concentric contractions.
Some Home Remedies for Sore Muscles/DOMS
The best way to deal with DOMS is to make sure you warm up properly and strech sufficiently before any strenuous activity. Beyond that, if you find that you are still experiencing sore muscles, the most effective remedy for DOMS is to get some rest. The common response to muscle soreness 10 years ago was to not do any strenuous physical activity during the period you are experiencing pain, however, there are new theories that doing light aerobic exercise can help bring blood into the sore areas, which could thus increase the speed of healing. Either way, NO STRENUOUS ACTIVITY.
Other than this, researchers suggest soaking in a tub full of cold water, taking some vitamins, and drinking anti-inflammatory medications. Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation but does not in any way resolve it or reduce muscle weakness. This is why it is very essential that all medication or remedy should be coupled with lots and lots of rest. Resting is the only certain way to get rid of muscle soreness quickly.
DOMS, although very common, is never enjoyable. However, take solace in the fact that it is a natural part of becoming more fit. If you’d like to learn more about getting fit, avoiding muscle soreness, and doing it all from your garage, check out my website. Thanks for reading! Leave a comment with any questions you may have.
