After an extreme exercise routine, the muscle pain is more intense a day or two later rather than instantly. Why is that?
Welcome to the vague effects of deferred onset muscle soreness, the scientific term for aches that has been acquired and built up a day or two after an exhausting workout.
Scott Sailor, a professor of Kinesiology at Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif., and the president of the National Athletic Trainers' Association said that generally, D.O.M.S. includes not just pain but also a deficit of strength and extent of motion in the affected area.
As per New York Times, D.O.M.S. usually takes place after exercise that includes extending muscles while they contract, Dr. Sailor said, such as running downhill. But it can progress after any effort that is more severe or extended than is usual for you.
Such demanding workouts can cause numerous minor tears to the muscle tissue, after which a variety of cells and substances move to these muscles to help them begin healing.
Interestingly, these substances are not automatically identical as those that come after a more serious muscle injury. Recent studies show that, molecules that help inflammation and swelling, for instance, tend to be noticeable in tissues afflicted by a serious injury, but can be missing in tissue affected by D.O.M.S.
Dr. Sailor said that there are distinct medications that have been tried over the years, such as icing, massage and anti-inflammatory painkillers. At best, they have lowered the understanding of pain, he added, but for a limited time only. No medication yet has been proved to actually decrease the length of time that muscles stays sore and weak.
So if you do develop D.O.M.S., accept that, for the next five to seven days, you are going to be sore. Avoid from exhausting exercise during this time, Dr. Sailor said, although moderate walking is fine.
