If exercising/weightlifting tears your muscles, why does stretching make the sor!
Question: It would seem that stretching them out further would make it worse, but it doesn't.
Answers: It would seem that stretching them out further would make it worse, but it doesn't.
Great question.
There is some debate around whether stretching before, during or after exercise actually reduces or prevents delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS.)
The conventional wisdom is that stretching may reduce soreness by facilitating the removal of waste material (lactic acid) that accumulates within the muscle as a result of the micro-tearing of muscle tissue. However, recent research has suggested that lactic acid build up isn't the cause of DOMS, since it's actually flushed fairly quickly from the muscle (within minutes.)
Instead, scientists now believe the micro-tears and associated inflammation are actually what causes post-workout soreness and tenderness, not accumulated waste. And the only way to really treat this type of soreness is to allow the muscle time to heal (usually about 48 hours.)
Stretching can help relieve some of the discomfort. However, it's generally temporary. The main reason to stretch post-workout is that it helps alleviate some of the stiffness that you can feel the next day in the muscle.
In terms of preventing DOMS, there are a few things you might try. I've had good luck supplementing post workout with 10 grams of L-Glutamine (the most abundant amino acid in the body), and then with an additional 5-10 grams a few hours later (or before bedtime.) Fish oil capsules can also be helpful for treating the inflammation. They have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies have suggested that they are actually as effective as over-the-counter NSAIDs like Ibuprofen for reducing inflammation (plus, they are great for your heart and brain.)
L-Glutamine is inexpensive. You can pick up a tub usually for under $20 dollars.
References to the study about stretching and soreness are below.
Best of luck!