DOMS is a delay in muscle soreness following physical activity that the body isn’t accustomed to performing. These activities generally involve muscles working harder than usual, or for a longer period of time. As a result, micro-injuries occur to small fibres within the affected muscle.

Symptoms can include:

Pain
Aching
Fatigue
Decrease in your range of movement

DOMS however isn’t something to be too concerned about. It is an indication that the body is trying to recover. This recovery actually leads to the tissues becoming stronger, adapting to the new activity or training intensity gradually over time and with consistency.

It commonly occurs following:

Sporting games or training sessions
Cardio activities such as running, swimming and cycling
Resistance training exercises like weightlifting

How can an osteopath help?

Dry needling treatment

An Osteopath can provide treatment that aims to accelerate the tissues recovery. Engaging the tissues with some soft tissue massage, as well as targeted dry needling techniques, an increase in circulation can be achieved in the location of the injured areas. This results in improved healing.

An Osteopath may also address the range of movement restrictions you may experience during DOMs. They will mobilise your joint towards what is call the restrictive barrier, elongating the shorten muscle in an attempted to lengthen or stretch the fibres.

High Powered Laser therapy is an additional tool our Osteopaths are trained to use, which is a new technology involving high-powered red-light beams. This targets the damaged structures to reduce pain and inflammation.

What can I do outside my appointment?

There are a number of additional things you can do outside your appointment to assist DOMS. It is important that you discuss these with your Osteopath beforehand to ensure you are taking the best approach for your specific injury.

Heat and Icing
Light cardio
Stretching
Diet (e.g. Magnesium intake)
Hydration
Sleep
Massage/foam rolling

Examples of foam rolling of the lower limb:

For all questions regarding delayed onset muscle soreness, contact us at Pakenham Osteopathy on 5941 4157, or make an appointment directly online here. All of our osteopaths are experienced in not only treating DOMS presentations, but also have their own personal experience (unfortunately!).