One day you’re pleased with yourself for finally painting the guest room or spending the full half hour on the rowing machine. The next day you can barely reach up to brush your hair because you’re sore all over. You probably have a case of delayed onset muscle soreness.
That achy feeling is caused by microscopic tears in your muscle tissue, which lead to inflammation and discomfort. It’s most likely to appear about 1 or 2 days after you engage in a strenuous activity or a task that you’re not used to doing. Despite the discomfort, it is actually beneficial for the body. The inflammation is blood and nutrients rushing to the area to repair any damage and allow your body to build itself back stronger.
While it’s nothing serious and will go away on it’s own in a few days, we know you would rather this happen sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, the tips you get from well meaning friends, the guy next to you at the gym, or the online health magazine may not be the best advice. I’ve heard some pretty bad ones over the years.
As doctors of physical therapy we are experts in movement and recovery, so let us give you the expert advice you have been looking for. There are some things that will help relieve the pain and some things you’re better off avoiding.
Continue reading