Why Your Muscles May Hurt After Exercise
By Donna Stark
Exercise is one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle, but it may not always feel like that. Sometimes, you may experience a lot of pain and soreness after a workout, and since we have all been conditioned to believe that pain is not good for us, it can be hard to believe that exercise is healthy. But it is. That pain you are feeling has a name and it isn't as bad as you may think. Actually, it's quite common and totally normal after a new workout.
Sore Muscles After a Workout
Delayed onset muscle soreness is what you could be experiencing after a workout, and what that fancy name means is that you may be hurting for a day or two after you exercise. You will be uncomfortable, you may have trouble walking, and your range of motion could be limited, but that's OK because those are usually signs that your muscles are working properly and are getting used to the new motions or weight. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience after a workout.
- Muscles that feel tender to the touch
- Reduced range of motion and flexibility
- Slight swelling in the affected muscles
- Muscle fatigue
- Short-term strength loss
What Causes Sore Muscles?
Your muscles will sustain tiny, microscopic tears during your workout and your body will respond by increasing inflammation and blood flow. This will then trigger sensations of pain in the affected area. The bad thing is that you will suffer a bit, but the good thing is that this suffering is temporary and you will eventually be able to surpass the level of fitness you are at.
Actions You Can Take
Even though workouts and muscle soreness go hand in hand, there are some things you can do to reduce the level of discomfort you feel. Take a look at what your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic recommend.
- Stretch your muscles before and after you exercise
- Drink the recommended amount of water each day
- Give each muscle group adequate time to recover
- Engage in gentle movements throughout the day (yoga, walking, cycling)
- Massage or foam roll the affected areas
- Take a bath
- Incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet
- Increase your workouts to the next level of intensity one small step at a time
Keep at It!
Don't let the pain and soreness you experience keep you from working out. Just follow the tips above to lessen the impact, increase your fitness levels slowly, and be patient. Delayed onset muscle soreness should happen less and less as your body becomes more accustomed to working out. Good luck!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C.