Is It Just Sore—Or an Injury?

When to Push Through and When to Get Checked Out

By Dr. Andrew Kakishita | Kinetic Chiropractic – Lehi, UT

Soreness after a good workout? Totally normal. Lingering pain that makes you wince every time you move? That might be a different story.

At Kinetic Chiropractic in Lehi, we help active individuals and weekend warriors sort through the difference between a “good sore” and a developing injury—so you don’t push yourself into a longer recovery than necessary.

What Does “Good Soreness” Feel Like?

Muscle soreness (also called delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS) typically:

• Begins 12–24 hours after exercise
• Feels dull and achy, not sharp
• Improves within 3–4 days
• Is symmetrical and related to a new or intense activity

If you’re just sore, it’ll usually ease with light movement, stretching, hydration, and time.

Signs You Might Be Dealing With an Injury

Injuries often feel different than DOMS. Red flags include:

• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Swelling, bruising, or warmth around the area
• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Pain that affects your daily activities or sleep

If you’re unsure, don’t wait weeks hoping it’ll magically go away. Catching things early can often mean avoiding bigger problems later.

What We Can Do to Help

Whether it’s a muscle strain, tendinopathy, or joint irritation, we use a combination of chiropractic care, soft tissue work, rehab, and shockwave therapy to help your body heal.

And yes—Shockwave Therapy can be a game-changer for lingering soft tissue issues, especially when your body needs a little nudge to restart the healing process.