DOMS stands for; Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness 

It is a sore, painful or aching feeling in muscles after an unfamiliar intensity of exercise or activity.

It usually starts between 24- 72 hours after and isn’t really felt in the first 24 hours. 

It is thought to be a temporary muscle damage and inflammation and is a mild muscle strain. 

DOMS generally gets better on its own over a few hours to a few days 

DOMS can be a good sign, it can indicate that the muscle is healing into a stronger muscle after a good training session. 

Massage has been shown to reduce the effects of stiffness and pain associated with DOMS if completed within 2 hours of the activity*



*J E Hilbert, G A Sforzo, T Swensen. The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness. Br J Sports Med 2003;37:72–75 ; 

Article accessed from Physio-pedia