If you’re sore days after a workout, what causes it?  Is it lactic or something else.  DOMS if I know.  There’s a good chance that’s exactly what it is.  DOMS is short for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, and it’s physiologically and distinctly different from lactic acid.  The two can be confused due to their association with muscle discomfort and exercise. Based on feedback from orthopedic specialists, physical therapists and other medical professionals, here’s some criteria to help you identify some differences in them. 

Perception of Pain

Lactic acid buildup during intense exercise can lead to a burning or “muscle fatigue” sensation. This discomfort is typically felt during exercise and subsides relatively quickly after exercise cessation as lactic acid is cleared from the muscles. On the other hand, DOMS typically causes muscle soreness and stiffness that becomes noticeable 12 to 24 hours after exercise and can peak at around 48 hours. The timing of the discomfort can lead to confusion because people may attribute the post-exercise soreness to lactic acid buildup when, in fact, it’s due to DOMS.

Location of Discomfort

Lactic acid-related discomfort is often described as a general burning sensation in the muscles being actively used during exercise. DOMS, on the other hand, can cause soreness in specific muscle groups that were targeted during the exercise. People might mistake the localized soreness of DOMS for lactic acid discomfort.

Understanding of Physiology

Some individuals may not be familiar with the physiological processes behind lactic acid buildup and DOMS. Lack of knowledge about these processes can lead to confusion about the source of post-exercise discomfort and can lead a client to ask for a therapy session that may not be ideal for them.

It’s important to note that while lactic acid buildup can cause temporary discomfort during exercise, DOMS is primarily associated with microscopic muscle damage and inflammation that occur as a result of strenuous or unaccustomed exercise. Inflammation and damage isn’t always a bad result because in the end it’s what strengthens the muscle if the conditions are there for a healthy recovery.  Lactic acid is usually cleared from the body within hours after exercise, while DOMS can last for several days.  Massage can assist with limiting the downtime for both.

Clearing up this confusion can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage their post-exercise discomfort effectively. Understanding the difference between the two can help individuals choose appropriate strategies for recovery and pain relief.

Kindest regards,

Charles “CJ” Bromfield, Lmt.

Owner, Lakewood Massotherapy

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