What is the effect of massage on muscle soreness post-exercise?

Massage is known to play a beneficial role in addressing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which commonly occurs after intense exercise, particularly when the body is not accustomed to the level of exertion. The act of massaging sore muscles can improve circulation, facilitating increased blood flow to the affected areas. This improved circulation promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for muscle repair and recovery.

Additionally, massage can help reduce tightness in the muscles and may aid in the removal of metabolic waste products that accumulate as a result of exercise, such as lactic acid. By alleviating muscle tension and enhancing overall relaxation, massage can provide relief from some of the discomfort and stiffness associated with DOMS.

In contrast, while some treatments may claim to prevent muscle cramps, the effectiveness of massage in this regard is not absolute, making claims of complete prevention inaccurate. Furthermore, while massage may support recovery, it does not directly contribute to muscle growth; that is primarily accomplished through proper nutrition and resistance training. Also, to suggest that massage has no effect on muscle recovery does not align with numerous studies suggesting its positive impact on reducing soreness and accelerating recovery times.