When we work out, our muscles work together, to move the weights and our body by contracting and relaxing in a very coordinated way. On a microscopic level each muscle is made up of individual muscle fibers. As we work harder or lift/move heavier things more and more muscle fibers are recruited to help us complete our goal. The muscles get to a point where they cannot take on the load and will actually begin to microscopically tear, this is the soreness. Now don’t get nervous this is not a tear on the level that will keep you from working out and that will lead to surgery. The tearing is then accompanied by inflammation, which is the body’s natural reaction to any injury and will lead to some stiffness. This entire process is actually the body’s way of building new muscle. As the muscle fibers begin to heal, stronger and bigger fibers are created to replace it. As a consequence though, you will get some soreness and stiffness for a couple of days after your workout.
Here are a couple of the many easy remedies that may help to decrease your soreness and stiffness to help you get through that next workout.
First and foremost is stretching. Stretching will help not only with your mobility but it will help to align those previously talked about muscle fibers that have been microscopically tearing throughout your workout. By stretching and properly aligning the muscle fibers you will help to avoid getting tight muscles which can lead to a muscular imbalance and eventually an injury. Don’t be afraid to ask one of us about some specific stretches. That’s what we’re here for.
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization also known as Graston Technique is another option that only the properly trained medical professionals can offer. This technique uses special tools to treat the body. These tools have many uses, but one of the uses is helping to treat muscular soreness and stiffness.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water to help flush the body of the toxins created while working out. You should be eating food or a shake with protein, which is the essential building block of muscle and aides in its recovery. There are also supplements to help with this problem. One of the better known supplements that can help with this is fish oil which naturally helps with inflammation. Then there is the whole food supplement Lurong Living, which is a supplement that specifically helps you deal with muscle soreness. Make sure you consult the proper health care physician before taking any supplements or changing your diet.
