DOMS: Causes, Effects & How to Reduce Its Severity
Of the many negative impacts that may be felt, DOMS is a common issue that arises after exercise and makes it difficult for those who experience it to carry out activities afterward.
So, what exactly is meant by DOMS? What causes it, and what solutions can be applied? Find the complete explanation here!
What is Meant by DOMS?

DOMS is essentially delayed onset muscle soreness, which appears after you exercise. This condition can affect anyone, from beginners and casual exercisers to even the most experienced athletes.
When DOMS strikes, the body's muscles will feel slightly swollen and tight, as if an invisible rope is restricting every movement. Additionally, you will also feel a sensation of pain and throbbing in the affected areas.
Unlike an injury where the pain is felt immediately, this condition only shows symptoms 1 to 3 days after an exercise session.[1] The intensity of the pain varies, from mild muscle soreness to severe pain that makes it difficult for anyone experiencing it to carry out daily activities.
How Long Does DOMS Last?

DOMS tends to leave effects for 2 to 3 days, with the peak of the pain occurring on the second day. After that, the pain will subside, leaving a feeling of soreness that is not too painful.[1]
Is DOMS Normal?

DOMS is a very common condition that occurs when someone returns to exercise after a long period of inactivity, or for athletes trying new types of training or movements that are more intense than usual.
A body that was previously unaccustomed to heavy physical activity will respond with muscle soreness as a form of readjustment and recovery after exercise.
Causes of DOMS

DOMS occurs due to minor damage to muscle fibers caused by the heavy exercise you perform.
This condition usually appears when your muscles have not been trained for a long time, causing their strength to decrease and making them unprepared for physical activity more intense than usual.
In addition, failing to warm up before exercising can also make muscles less prepared to bear the load during training. Another factor is forcing your body to perform exercises with longer durations and more challenging movements when the muscles are not yet fully trained.
Impact of DOMS

The emergence of DOMS a few days after exercising can cause disadvantages, including:[2]
- Reduced range of joint motion in the body.
- The body's ability to absorb shock or impact decreases, making the body more prone to injury during activities.
- Muscle strength when lifting and pushing heavy objects decreases because the muscles are still in the process of recovering from heavy exercise.
How to Treat DOMS

So that you can return to activities without restrictions on your range of motion, here are several ways you can recover faster from this condition:
1. Massage
Research shows that receiving a massage can help alleviate pain due to DOMS and also accelerate muscle recovery.
This effective massage should be done within 24 hours after an exercise session, with a duration of about 30 to 60 minutes, to support better muscle performance.[3]
2. Ice Bathing
Soaking your body in cold ice water will trigger the body to perform vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels by muscles to help the body stay warm. This reaction will help reduce inflammation occurring in the body, so muscle pain is reduced.[4]
3. Apply Cold Compresses to the Sore Area
DOMS usually attacks muscles in the lower body, such as the thighs and calves. If you feel uncomfortable or it is too cold to take an ice bath, you can try a simpler method, which is using an ice pack to compress the sore body part to relieve pain.
The effect of this method is to numb the muscles, so the pain is not as sharp. You can apply this compress for 15 minutes to feel the benefits.[5]
4. Drink Virgin Coconut Oil
This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that will help the body suppress post-exercise inflammation so that muscle pain can be minimized.
You can enjoy these optimal benefits with Sido Muncul Virgin Coconut Oil, a herbal supplement ready to support your muscle recovery.
Sido Muncul Virgin Coconut Oil

This product offers 1000 mg of pure coconut oil that will help improve the body's health, including addressing DOMS issues.
Benefits
- Reduces muscle pain after exercise.
- Helps maintain the stamina of men and women who have very busy routines.
- Promotes better immunity.
Consumption Rules
3 capsules daily, taken three times
Side Effects
Some people who are allergic to virgin coconut oil may experience nausea and digestive disturbances as a side effect.
DOMS is a condition that cannot be completely avoided, but you can reduce the pain and speed up recovery with the right treatment. Consume Sido Muncul Natural Virgin Coconut Oil. Help your body recover faster in a herbal and effective way!
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