How To Reduce DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

Caitlyn Davey • April 2, 2025

Imagine this: you've just had an intense workout session. The next morning, your muscles ache with a vengeance. This sensation is none other than Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), a phenomenon familiar to many athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

But what exactly is DOMS, how does it occur, and how can you alleviate it while understanding its underlying physiological effects? Let’s delve into the science behind DOMS and explore effective strategies for relief.


The Science Behind DOMS

DOMS is characterized by muscular pain, stiffness, and tenderness that emerges hours to days after engaging in unaccustomed or high-intensity exercise. While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, researchers believe it’s a multifaceted process involving:

  • Microscopic muscle damage
  • Inflammation
  • A complex interplay of cellular responses


Eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions are often the primary culprit. This type of contraction causes microscopic tears in the muscle fibers, leading to inflammation and the release of inflammatory markers like prostaglandins.

Additionally, small disruptions in the connective tissue surrounding muscle fibers trigger pain receptors, intensifying the perception of soreness. However, this damage isn't necessarily harmful—it's a natural part of the muscle remodeling process, ultimately leading to adaptation and muscle growth.


Distinguishing Sensation from Physiology

Understanding DOMS involves differentiating between the sensation of soreness and the physiological effects at play.

  • Sensation: The soreness often feels like a dull, aching pain that peaks within 24 to 48 hours post-exercise and gradually diminishes. It’s typically localized to the exercised muscles and can make movement uncomfortable.
  • Physiology: The microscopic muscle damage and subsequent inflammation trigger adaptive responses. Muscle fibers repair and remodel, becoming stronger over time. Thus, the soreness serves as a reminder that the body is adapting to the stress it experienced.



Alleviating DOMS Through Sports Science

While completely preventing DOMS is challenging, several evidence-based strategies can help alleviate its intensity and duration:

  • Active Recovery: Engage in light, low-intensity exercise to enhance blood flow, aiding the removal of waste products and promoting healing.
  • Foam Rolling and Massage: These techniques help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate discomfort.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and consuming nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supports recovery.
  • Contrast Baths: Alternating between hot and cold water immersion can enhance circulation and reduce inflammation.
  • Stretching: Gentle stretching may alleviate muscle tightness and improve flexibility, though it should be approached cautiously.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: NSAIDs can provide temporary relief but should be used sparingly and under medical supervision.
  • Progressive Training: Gradually increasing exercise intensity and volume allows the body to adapt more effectively, minimizing DOMS severity.
  • Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential to support the body's natural healing and recovery processes.


Embracing DOMS: A Sign of Progress

DOMS is a testament to the body's remarkable ability to adapt and grow stronger. While the soreness might be uncomfortable, it's important to embrace it as a sign of progress.


By understanding the science behind DOMS and employing smart recovery strategies, you can navigate post-exercise discomfort effectively while reaping the rewards of your hard work in the gym.


At Rebuild Health and Fitness, we emphasize that knowledge is power. Informed decisions empower athletes to achieve their goals while respecting their body's natural responses.


Stay committed, stay informed, and remember: DOMS is a temporary reminder of your dedication to becoming the best version of yourself.

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A lot of people have completed a marathon but how many people have collapsed at 40km?

Sometimes you do everything right, and shit still doesn’t go to plan.
 Last weekend I ran in the Gold Coast Marathon, my first ever marathon. I trained properly, my body felt relatively good (all things considered when preparing to run 42.2km), I carb-loaded, and my race day nutrition was dialled in.
 I was ready.
 We set off. Jess and the kids met me at different points on the course with signs, the atmosphere was great. I loved seeing the kids with their signs. Pacing felt on point. The first 21km? Easy. I felt great. Maybe I should’ve drunk more water, but I didn’t think too much of it at the time.
 At 25km, I felt slower, but pace wise I was still holding well. I’d kept telling myself throughout the day "The race starts at 30km." And let me tell you, it does.
 By 30km, the sun was out, and I was starting to struggle. My watch started glitching so I had no real idea of my splits. I thought I was slowing down a lot (turns out I wasn’t), but the effort to keep the same pace suddenly felt 10x harder.
 I hadn’t taken on enough water. Usually, I can get away with lower fluids. Not this time. Dehydration crept in. hard.
 At 35km I was in survival mode, one foot in front of the other, flicking between moments of pain and little short lived waves of “let’s go.” But by 39km I was delirious. I could see the finish line, I hit the 40km mark (where I thought enjoyment might return to finish), and I collapsed.
 I was gone. Scary stuff.
 The last few hundred metres were a complete blur. All I remember is the crowd, the medics, and about five paramedics suddenly around me. I was vomiting, shaking, confused, in and out of it. I had this overwhelming, indescribable feeling, and honestly, for a moment, I thought I could die.
 My memory went. I couldn’t recall the day, the year, where I lived, or how to spell. I only knew who Jess and the kids were, and that I didn’t want them to see me with wires in me. 
 My temperature had hit 40°C. Blood pressure crashed. Thankfully, the medics and paramedics were incredible, I had a drip running into me within 10 to 15 minutes.
 As I already knew, I’m stubborn. I wanted to run it all. Not walk. Not stop and breathe and In hindsight, I should have. 
 Seems like my mind was just a bit stronger than my body on the day. I never thought I could push myself there in all honesty. 

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I am always reminded here of the quote ‘The man in the arena’ look it up if you need. 
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Would I do things differently, now I’ve run 40km under race conditions? You bet, lessons learnt. Always lessons. Never be scared to not succeed. Be scared to never try in the first place. 
 We go again.
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