What is it?

Muscle soreness, also known as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), is a common experience that occurs 24-48 hours after engaging in physical activity or exercise. It is the result of micro-tears in muscle fibers that occur as a natural response to challenging or unfamiliar exercise. The process of healing and rebuilding these fibers is what leads to strength and muscle growth.

What causes it?

Muscle soreness is caused by eccentric exercise, which is any exercise that involves lengthening of the muscle while it is under load. This can include exercises such as squats, lunges, and bicep curls. It is important to note that muscle soreness is different from acute muscle pain, which may be a sign of injury or strain.

How to alleviate it?

While muscle soreness cannot be completely avoided, there are several ways to alleviate it. These include:

• Rest: Allow your muscles time to recover by taking a break from intense exercise.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation.
• Massage: Massage can help increase blood flow to the affected area and relieve tension.
• Stretching: Stretching can help improve blood flow and alleviate tightness in the affected area.

Synonyms

• DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
• Muscle stiffness

Antonyms

• Well-rested muscles
• Pain-free muscles

Related Terms

• Eccentric exercise
• Recovery
• Muscle fatigue