4 replies to this topic

[billh]

I've been reading The Runners Body, ch 2 on DOMS = "delayed onset muscle soreness".  the authors argue AGAINST use of ibuprofin to reduce inflammation after a tough workout because the inflammation is the body's mechanism to heal the damaged muscle cells by rushing fluids and "bulldozer" cells to clear the damaged cells and make way to build back the muscle, stronger than before.  I also heard several 100m sprinters in the Olympic quals in Eugene say they were off to their "ice bath" after their event; professional cyclists also use ice baths in stage races like the TdF.  But I wonder if the same argument applies, the ice and NSAIDs are actually slowing recovering because it reduces the fluids that are being rushed to the site to clear the damage.  the recommendation in the book is to just wait out the 24-48 hours the required for recovery and no hard workouts during that time.  ???  thoughts?

here's a google search url that gives the flavor of the debate . . .

http://www.unm.edu/~...lder/domos.html

at least they have gotten away from blaming a buildup of lactate for muscle soreness, contrary to certain TdF commentators (not naming names . . . Paul Sherwin!)

[JC McB]

Bill, I see this sort of recommendation everywhere now:  just take the 1/2 aspirin and no other meds.  Whatever stops the pain also stops the healing.

I seem to remember that there was one sort of NSAID that just stopped pain, but I can't find the reference again.

I stopped poping pills every 4 hours and can put up with a little discomfort.  (Marathon recommendations are to take just the 1/2 pill before the race.)

[DrewE]

I'm totally against NSAIDS after a race, or, for that matter, before a race. An exception can be if you have an injury you are dealing with, but besides that I have read similar research pointing to the fact that it hurts the bodies natural tendency to heal up after a hard day on the bike.

Here's some food for thought and another interesting new method a lot of Pro Cyclists are getting into: Air Compression Boots. Here's a link to one of the companies that sell them: http://www.normatecsports.com/mvp.aspx

They are pretty cool, and in theory make a lot of sense to help with venous return and aid in recovery. They are, however, pretty expensive. But, might be worth it if you can afford them. I've used a pair of one of my teammates and they are AWESOME. I am looking to invest in a pair myself eventually.

[cleeland]

I usually just hit myself somewhere else to distract me from the pain induced by racing.

[rich pierce]

cleeland, on 16 October 2012 - 09:32 AM, said:

I usually just hit myself somewhere else to distract me from the pain induced by racing.

I do that when I'm doing wall sits exercises.  If I slap myself in the face vigorously I can get an extra 30 seconds, usually.  Plus it gives me that fresh face look.