DOMS. (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

[Adventure427]

Good? Bad? What's your take on it?

[Toby]

Bad. I avoid it by training PTP. If I know I'm going to get it (usually from MA training), I will take ice baths - 5 x 90s ice bath/90s hot shower alternating. That's the magic remedy, if your balls can take it.

[Adventure427]

this seems to be a mysterious topic to most or something

[Toby]

Not really. I'm sure most would just agree it's bad. If you have another opinion, maybe explain why in more detail and others might contribute.

[stricker]

right now i have the worst case of DOMS ive ever had in my life.

its my calf muslces too so im literally hobbling about, put any weight over my toes and oooouch!

anyone got any decent info on speeding up recovery? im missing training time

[Adventure427]

Well i actually avoid it aswell...it sucks all the way around to me...but i've heard some people (who seem like they're just saying it to sound 'old school') say "if you aren't sore you haven't worked hard enough"

PS: Good tip on getting others to contribute

[FooFighter]

Adventure427,

The current scientific theory teaches D.O.M.S. is a the result of mirco tears in muscles. Basically, it is 'trauma' from doing an activity that your body was not prepare to handle. It should be expected if you started a new program or activity. DOMS isn't bad in itself unless it becomes chronic. If this continues, than it is definitely a sign of overtraining. You should not measure your results or intensity by DOMS. If anything your DOMS should teach you to wave your intensity or slow it down. Therefore, I recommend working progressively according to your level of fitness and building up work capacity gradually. To recover or prevent DOMS practice a healthy diet, get massage therapy, do active recovery practices, passive recovery (dry and wet) sauna, and last but not least train intelligently (use common sense).

[kwaichang]

moist heat f/b low level straight plane stretches duration .> 30 seconds f/b low level aerobic activity f/b cold pacs x 15 minutes. should do the trick. KC

[Adventure427]

Hmm ok so so far it seems everyone feels DOMS are bad and to be avoided....anybody else feel different? Anybody have any studies on it?

[Scott R. Brown]

Light swimming is good for recovery. Even playing in the pool will help. I have had muscle soreness that normally would take a few days to resolve disappear immediately after some light swimming.

[Water Dragon]

I'm always sore. In fact, if I don't feel sore it's like I had a bad workout. But, everyone's different and that's just my body type.