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Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 2:30 am
by LatinoBulk
The old "tear and repair" theory. Damaso et al (2024) suggests damage might actually delay hypertrophy by diverting protein resources to repair.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 3:20 am
by AndeanLifter
I have always said soreness is a poor indicator of a good workout.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 4:05 am
by TropicStrength
Exactly. If you can't train again for 5 days because you overdid the eccentrics, your weekly volume suffers.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 4:50 am
by CaliFlex
Is there a "sweet spot" of damage that signals adaptation without overtaxing the system?
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 5:40 am
by MedellinMuscle
Maybe enough to trigger satellite cell migration but not enough to cause significant leakage of creatine kinase.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 6:35 am
by LatinoBulk
That's the billion-dollar question for recovery science.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 7:25 am
by AndeanLifter
Advanced lifters rarely get sore anyway due to the Repeated Bout Effect.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 8:10 am
by TropicStrength
The RBE is fascinating. The protective adaptations are almost more impressive than the growth itself.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 8:50 am
by CaliFlex
Does stretching reduce EIMD? The science usually says no.
Re: Does Muscle Damage (EIMD) Actually Drive Growth?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 9:25 am
by LatinoBulk
No, stretching is largely ineffective for soreness. Movement is better.