Why Do Muscles Get Sore?

If you have done any form of exercise, you may have felt the discomfort of post-workout soreness. Understanding why your muscles get sore will help you treat them effectively. If you are stiff from slight over-exertion, active recovery may be best. With an injury, you may need passive recovery and possibly medical assistance.

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1. Why Do Muscles Get Sore?

When exercising, your muscles grow and get stronger. When you work your muscles hard enough, tiny tears happen in the tissue, which is why you get sore. This natural process may lead to mild discomfort.

You experience a different type of soreness when you try something new. The stiffness and pain may happen hours or even days after the activity. This delayed discomfort is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which occurs after muscle damage. To minimize this pain, experts recommend cutting the duration of the new activity by a third. DOMS can also happen if you go extra hard on a familiar activity.

2. Is DOMS Lactic Acid Buildup?

Experts previously thought DOMS was due to lactic acid buildup in the muscles. Since then, experts have agreed this is not 100% true. Lactic acid builds in your body during exercise. Still, it rapidly disappears after the period of exertion is over and doesn’t cause persistent soreness days later.

3. Is It Okay to Experience Muscle Soreness After a Workout?

Sore muscles may be okay after your workout if they are only painful and not injured. If they are sore, you can do active recovery like a relaxing yoga class, walk or low-intensity gym session. Your muscles shouldn’t have sudden sharp or worsening pain or be swollen, deformed or bruised.

Consider professional advice and training to get the maximum benefit without strain.

4. How Can I Improve My Muscle Soreness?

If your muscles are sore and not injured, you can:

• Foam roll
• Do low-intensity exercises
• Get a massage
• Wear compression clothing

You can also take anti-inflammatory medicine, enjoy an Epsom salt bath, apply ice after the workout and apply heat a few days later. Your nutrition also matters. Drink plenty of water, and eat healthy protein and anti-inflammatory foods like pineapple, nuts and leafy greens.

Boost Your Active Recovery With 5 Bridges Health & Fitness

At 5 Bridges Health & Fitness, we offer a range of gym amenities, group classes and personal training sessions in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Our certified trainers are experts in helping you achieve results while keeping muscle recovery and previous injuries in mind.

Browse our membership plans and join us today to revolutionize your body and mind.