Delayed onset muscle soreness.
Delayed onset muscle soreness is a  temporary
painful or uncomfortable condition which takes place within the next twenty four to forty
eight hours after a physical activity or unusual training. Normally the problem settles
down after a few days. In quite rare cases, delayed onset muscle soreness may last up to
nine days. If the discomfort persists beyond this point, perhaps a specialist's advice is
needed.
What are the causes of the delayed onset muscle soreness?
 Originally, this was
thought to be caused by lactic acid build-up which occurs after anaerobic exercise.
New studies have established
the theory that delayed onset muscle soreness is caused, because tiny microscopic tears
in the muscle fibers occur during unusual movements, positions or training levels. This
is called recovery process.
More recent research claims
that delayed onset muscle soreness is not caused by the damaged muscle cells and the
recovery period but by a process of development and growth. The muscle responds to
intense workout by reinforcing itself beyond the previous strength by adding new segments
in the muscle fibrils. This reinforcement process makes the cells to gain volume and
consequently put pressure on to the adjacent nerves and blood vessels, resulting in the
delayed onset muscle soreness.
How the delayed onset muscle soreness can be minimized?
For an athlete to reduce pain after exercise, thorough warming up is required, since
warmer muscles are more flexible and less susceptible to damage. Gradual relaxing after
training makes quite a lot of difference, as well.
According to the above latest theory, further training does not make existing delayed
onset muscle soreness worse, since the reinforcement process is already underway. On the
contrary, the recovery theory indicates that additional workout can deteriorate the
problem.
Is there any treatment for delayed onset muscle soreness?
Although there is not any particular treatment, a lot of remedies, such as therapeutic
massage, ice, heat, rest, topical anti-inflammatory medications and stretch, have been
proved beneficial for management of delayed onset muscle soreness.
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