Definitions

Definition - What does Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness mean?

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is muscle soreness experienced between 12 and 48 hours after exercise, often after a new or intense exercise routine. It is an indication that strenuous activity has exhausted the muscles, especially after eccentric muscle contractions.

Depending on the extent of muscle strain, DOMS can last from a few hours to a few days in the most severe cases.

SureHire explains Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

DOMS is different from muscle soreness that is experienced right after exercise. This type of exhaustion indicates lactic buildup that irritates muscles and causes a burning sensation in the muscles.

DOMS, on the other hand, is the process of muscle repair that occurs after strenuous exercise. Since it takes a while for cells, nutrients, and fluids involved in damage repair to get to the site of the affected muscles, the effects are only felt when actual muscle repair begins.

People new to exercise are highly likely to experience DOMS as muscles are exposed to unusual tension and strain. At the same time, even seasoned athletes are not exempt from experiencing DOMS.