What is muscle soreness?
Soreness is a common sensation experienced by individuals after performing physical activities such as exercise or work. It is typically characterized by a feeling of discomfort or pain in the muscles, often accompanied by stiffness or reduced range of motion. The scientific term for this type of soreness is delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
DOMS is believed to occur as a result of microscopic damage to muscle fibers and the connective tissue surrounding them. When muscle fibers are subjected to stress, such as that experienced during exercise, they experience small tears and other types of damage. This damage triggers an inflammatory response, which leads to the sensation of soreness.
The exact mechanisms by which DOMS occurs are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve several factors, including the release of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins, as well as the activation of pain receptors in the affected muscles. DOMS typically peaks 24-48 hours after the onset of the activity that caused it, and can persist for several days, depending on the severity of the muscle damage.
In general, DOMS is considered to be a normal and expected part of the muscle adaptation process. When muscles are subjected to stress, they respond by becoming stronger and more resilient, provided that they are given adequate time to recover. However, excessive or prolonged soreness can be a sign of overuse injury or overtraining, and should be addressed accordingly.
What happens when a muscle has chronic soreness?
When a muscle is chronically sore, it often feels like a persistent dull ache or tightness in the affected area. This type of soreness may also be accompanied by a feeling of weakness or fatigue in the muscle. Chronic soreness typically develops gradually over time and can be the result of repetitive strain or overuse, as well as underlying conditions such as muscle imbalances or postural issues.
Over time, chronic soreness can progress to chronic pain.
Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain that lasts for more than 3 months and does not respond well to traditional treatments such as rest or pain medication. Chronic pain can be the result of a variety of factors, including nerve damage, inflammation, and changes in the way the brain processes pain signals.Chronic pain can also cause changes in the way the affected muscles function, leading to further imbalances and tension. This can create a cycle of pain and dysfunction that is difficult to break without intervention. It is important to address chronic soreness early on and to seek treatment if it persists, as early intervention can help prevent the progression to chronic pain.
How can massage help with soreness?
Massage can help with soreness in several ways. They increase blood flow to the muscles, flushing out toxins and reducing inflammation. This quickly helps with the impact of DOMS to help alleviate muscle soreness from a recent workout, or even chronic soreness. By increasing the blood flow to sore areas, and releasing fascial restrictions, we can help you recover faster and feel your best.
The team at Neu Release Massage is expert at relieving muscle soreness through a combination of massage therapy techniques and a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology.
The therapists at Neu Release Massage are trained in a variety of massage modalities, including our signature Neu Release Massage, Deep Tissue massage, Swedish Massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. They use these techniques to help relieve tension and soreness in the muscles and surrounding connective tissues.
At Neu Release Massage, the therapists take a personalized approach to each client’s session, tailoring the massage to address specific areas of soreness. They work with clients to identify the root causes of their muscle soreness and develop a plan for addressing these issues over time.