Muscle Pain

Q: Where does the muscle pain go after you stop exercising?

A: To answer the question, it is first important to understand the origins of the muscle pain or discomfort.

Muscles are contained within a fibrous tissue compartment called fascia.  As you exercise, your body reacts by directing oxygen rich blood to the muscle that is working.  As the activity level increases, blood flow to the muscle increases and in-turn, increases the size of the muscle.

When the fatigued muscle reaches failure, a condition called Acute Compartment Syndrome occurs:

Acute Compartment Syndrome occurs when the working muscle fills with enough blood and lactic acid to fill the fascia compartment and the muscle starts to press on the blood vessels (supplying oxygen), nerves, and/or tendons that run through the compartment.  The pressure results in muscular pain or a burning sensation in the muscle.

So, where does the pain go?

As soon as the activity level is decreased or stopped, your body starts the recovery process by supplying oxygen rich blood to the fatigued muscle, flushing lactic acid out of the muscle, and relaxing the contracted muscle to its normal state and size.

All of these actions taken by your body eliminate any acute pain or discomfort.