How to manage inflammation in a resistance training program?
How does inflammation present itself in a resistance training program (I'm currently using Starting Strength)?
If it is catabolic (I am asking because I suspect it is), how can one lessen its effects through scheduling, rest, nutrition, supplements, or otherwise?
Please correct me in comments if I'm misunderstanding the issue.
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As far as nutrition goes, there are foods that promote inflammation (you don't want to avoid them entirely, it's actually a necessary part of healing) and foods that help stop inflammation. There are diets specifically designed for dealing with inflammation, one I'm fond of is Meals that Heal Inflammation by Julie Daniluk. It specifically addresses inflammation due to injury.
Inflammation's affect on a strength training individual differs based on where the inflammation occurs:
In the muscle. This is normal as part of training. Eating and resting will take care of this quickly.
In the connective tissue. This is usually associated with overuse injuries such as tendinitis and bursitis.
If you are following a program like Starting Strength, they have figured out the proper amount of rest as a beginner to help you with muscular inflammation and fatigue. If you follow the program as written, and eat, then you will be fine.
The second issue is a little more problematic, and the likelihood of having to deal with that type of inflammation goes up with the weight lifted and your age. If you deal with connective tissue inflammation, the basic approach to dealing with it is:
Get blood flowing with compression and full range of motion
RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.
Use Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS). They help tame the inflammation.
Address the cause of the inflammation in your training. This can be bad form, over-emphasis on some muscles and under-emphasis on opposing muscles, etc.
One example where muscle imbalances can cause problems is with tendinitis. If you do a lot of work on your triceps and don't do a lot for your biceps (or vice-versa), you can develop tendinitis in your elbows. If you can't do pull ups, you may consider doing curls to help balance the strength in the arms.
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