MUSCLE INJURIES

What is DOMS?

“DOMS” or delayed onset muscle soreness is a term used to describe pain in normal muscle after exercise. It is most common after a break from exercise or after upgrading the intensity of an exercise program. Post-exercise muscle soreness may develop from 8 hours to 24 hours after the event and may last up to 7 days. The peak discomfort is usually 48-72 hours after exercise.

There are a number of different theories on the cause of DOMS. During exercise muscle fibres are damaged at a microscopic level. The body’s normal healing response to injury is inflammation and swelling. Chemicals are produced as part of the tissue repair process. These chemicals associated with the healing process may cause irritation of the nerves and pain.

How does it differ from a muscle tear?

Muscles can be torn when some or all of the fibres fail to cope with the demands placed on them. Muscle tears generally produce pain, swelling, bruising and loss of strength to varying degrees depending on the extent of damage. Spasm of surrounding muscles may occur to attempt to splint the injured tissue.

What causes DOMS or muscle tears?

Intense exercise is likely to result in discomfort due to overstretching of the microscopic components of the muscle fibres. Eccentric muscle contraction or muscle activity that occurs as the muscle is lengthening also causes soreness. An example of eccentric muscle contraction is the lowering phase of a hamstrings curl. Muscles are more commonly torn during sudden acceleration or deceleration.

How can physiotherapy help?

Axis Physiotherapy can assess the severity of a muscle injury and provide advice on the timeframe for return to sporting activity. Massage and electrotherapy can assist in pain relief and aid in the repair process. Appropriate strengthening, stretching and stability exercises will be prescribed to help promote complete tissue healing and avoid recurrence of injury.

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