What Causes Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)?
Delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS is a type of muscle pain and soreness that sets in a few hours after an exercise.
Although, it is not uncommon to find people complaining of aching muscles one or two days after exerting themselves in the gym. Either that or after a dramatic increase in the duration or intensity of their exercise.
DOMS is also common in people who just started out on a new exercise programme.


Cause Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Firstly, the exact cause of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is not known. However, it has been thought to be a result of the micro-tearing of the muscle fibres.
Secondly, this microscopic tearing of the muscle fibres is also associated with swelling in the muscle, which may contribute to soreness. The swelling can build up for days after a workout.
Hence, this explains why the muscle soreness may be worse two to three days after a workout. The extent of tearing, and hence the amount of soreness, will depend on the type of exercise we do and how long we do the exercise.
What Treatment Options Are There?
The soreness should go away in 3-7 days without special treatment. To speed up healing and reduce DOMS, you can try going for a sports massage or using the R.I.C.E.R method.
Also, there are research showing that warm-up performed immediately before an exercise session can produce a slight reduction in DOMS.
Sports massage therapy aim to rebalance the body and relieve aches, strains arising from related issues or repetitive strain injuries.
Related Articles
- Why You’re Sore Two Days After Exercising
- Sports Massage for Cyclists: What Are the Benefits & Should You Get One
- Did I hurt my back from that exercise or it is just sore?
- Sports Massage for Efficient Recovery Between Cycling Sessions
- The One Thing Cyclists Need for Better Performance
- What To Do In Case of a Sports Injury
- Sports Massage for Performance
- Sports Massage for Cyclists: The One Thing You Need If You Cycle
- Want Better Sports Performance?
- Should I Get A Sports Massage Immediately After A Marathon?
- Sports Recovery Strategies To Improve Your Performance (Part 2- Fundamental Strategies)
- Cyclist Physiotherapy: What Are the Benefits & Should You Go
- Sports Recovery Strategies To Improve Your Performance (Part 3- Advance Strategies)
- Prehab vs Rehab: It’s Your Choice
- Cycling Recovery Strategies: All You Need to Know as a Cyclist
- Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
- Physiotherapy: Which Physiotherapist Should I See For Regular Injuries And Sports Injuries?
- Sports Recovery Strategies To Improve Your Performance – Part 1
- H.A.R.M. To Avoid Sports Related Injuries
- R.I.C.E.R – What To Do When Sports Injuries Happen