This is something I hear quite frequently and it is definitely a great question, “Is this just soreness, or should I be concerned?”
Here are 3 tips to help differentiate normal muscle soreness vs. an injury.
Pain is always the first thing to show up and the last thing to leave in our bodies. We have an alarm system built into our bodies to warn us when something is wrong with our health – it’s called pain. It tells us that our body needs attention right now. As January 1st has arrived, gyms have started to fill, and many health resolutions have begun. Any new movement or exercise routine is enough to cause some soreness or discomfort. Here are my three key tips to help you know when it’s not just soreness, so you can seek help
1.Timing is Crucial
Typically normal muscle soreness, also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), appears in a few hours following a workout and lasts from anywhere to 24 to 48 hours. If intense soreness or pain is felt instantaneously, it is possible an injury may have occurred. If the feeling of soreness or discomfort following a workout does not subside after 3-4 days, then there’s a good chance it’s an injury, not just soreness.
2. Location, Location, Location!
Location tells us a lot about pain too. Muscle pain is felt very broadly across the body. If there is pain and swelling in or around a localized spot such as a specific joint, like a certain spot in your low back, this indicates an injury of some degree and you should come in to see your Chiropractor.
3. Is the pain One Sided vs. Two Sided
Muscle soreness will usually present on both sides of the body because we utilize both sides of our body when working out. If a feeling of intense soreness or pain is felt only on one side of the body, there is a greater chance that there was an injury that took place.
If you feel any pain or think you may have an injury reach out here to book an appointment. Let’s make 2026 the year we stay on top of our pain before it takes over us.
