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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Published on: January 22, 2012
Does post-exercise massage treatment reduce delayed onset muscle soreness? A systematic review
1Department of Complementary Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
Background:
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a frequent problem after unaccustomed exercise. No universally accepted treatment exists. Massage therapy is often recommended for this condition but uncertainty exists about its effectiveness.
Aim:
To determine whether post-exercise massage alleviates the symptoms of DOMS after a bout of strenuous exercise.
Method:
Various computerised literature searches were carried out and located seven controlled trials.
Results:
Most of the trials were burdened with serious methodological flaws, and their results are far from uniform. However, most suggest that post-exercise massage may alleviate symptoms of DOMS.
Conclusions:
Massage therapy may be a promising treatment for DOMS. Definitive studies are warranted.
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