Patient Familiarisation

Question 1

What is DOMS?

Answer 1

• Delayed onset muscle soreness.
• Minute tears occur in the muscle’s contractile + connective tissue
  components
• Triggering an inflammatory response.

Question 2

When would DOMS be experienced following an exercise/activity?

Answer 2

• Begins day 1.
• Peaks around day 3.
• Resolves around days 5-7.

Question 3

How might you discuss DOMS with a patient experiencing it?

Answer 3

• Ensure to educate them about the principle.
• Tell them it’s not a serious issue.
• Tell them that it actually shows that their muscles are adapting.
• Tell them it is very common.

Question 4

What are some practical ways to avoid DOMS in a patient in the future?

Answer 4

• Prioritize technical proficiency.
• Prioritise a familiarisation period.
• Ensure you are monitoring the RPE.

Question 5

What is technical proficiency?

Answer 5

• Refers to the ability to perform an exercise with ‘correct form’.
• This reduces the chance of injury.
• Ensures the exercise is targeting desired muscles.