Monday, May 6, 2013

The strategic use of DOMS

Previously I wrote a post about practicing body awareness and movement patterning whilst moving about, well, pretty much anywhere. Something I do to enhance this, is to also make use of is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) when I have it (not too often), as a proprioceptive enhancer.

Some fascia research I read recently suggested a rename to DOFS (Delayed Onset Fascia Soreness); and argues that DOMS is not a lactic acid event, but rather caused via substance P (pain chemical) being release from micro-trauma to fascia with-in and around muscle bellies. See HERE (page 4).

So, say you have done an intense session of deadlifts, barbell hip thrusts or some other hip extensor dominant posterior chain exercise - and get some serious glute tenderness.  You can complain about this; laugh about how it hurts to sit down, and/or use the enhanced sensation coming from the glutes to enhance the information coming from the body as you walk up and down stairs.

You can also do slow and smooth movement patterning work of skills whilst using the enhanced feedback from the enhanced sensory awareness within the muscles.  If you have DOMS, you may as well use it for something, right?


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