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Cupping Therapy

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Myofascial Cupping

Is a physical therapy - sport performance technique that uses decompression directed to the muscular and fascial system of the body. This form of therapy uses a negative pressure (a suction effect) to decompress and separate the underlying tissue layers. Cupping promotes healing to underlying tissues by improving blood flow, decreasing pain, improving tissue gliding, removing toxins, and breaking up scar tissue/adhesions. There are different types of cupping available; this may depend on the practitioner's preference.

Silicone Cupping (Massage Cupping/Sliding Cupping)

Uses flexible silicone cups that can glide over the skin.
Commonly used for muscle relaxation and lymphatic drainage.

Dry Cupping

Uses suction only, without any incisions or fluids being drawn.
Helps improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension

One technique is called dynamic cupping, where the cups slide across the tissues. Moving the cups this way creates a shearing force to the facia layers, allowing further break up of those fibers and adhesions (knots). Active movement may be incorporated siicone or dry cupping to create further muscle glide. The other manner is static cupping, where we leave the cups in one place for approximately 3- 5 minutes.

Potential Benefits:

Pain relief: Cupping may help relieve pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area and releasing endorphins, natural painkillers.
Reduced inflammation: The suction created by cupping can help reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of pain and discomfort.
Improved circulation: Cupping can increase circulation, which may help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and remove waste products.
Relaxation: Cupping can induce a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Immune system stimulation: Some studies suggest that cupping may stimulate the immune system.
Reduced stress: Cupping may help reduce stress by releasing endorphins and promoting relaxation.
Detoxification: Cupping may help remove toxins from the body by stimulating the lymphatic system.

Potential Side Effects:

Bruising: Cupping can cause temporary bruising in the treated area.
Skin irritation: Cupping may cause skin irritation, especially if the cups are left on for too long.

These cupping marks are discoloration of the skin due to broken blood vessels just beneath the skin, like a bruise. This indicates the level of blood stagnation, toxin accumulation, or dampness accumulation in your body. The color and pattern of the marks reflect the level of stagnation in that area. The darker the color, the more stagnation present.

Cupping has become popular among athletes to relieve pain and soreness when playing sports.

The cups are applied along the planes of the muscle. Different techniques can be applied during cupping to enhance treatment goals. The negative pressure exerted by the suction of the cup gently increases flexibility in the tissues. The cups can also be glided across different areas to further lift and separate tissues. This enhances the release of the interfaces between the neural tissues, fascia, skin, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The patient may also be instructed to move in various patterns (stretching, active range of motion, sports specific patterns) to allow the soft tissue to be mobilized or stretched in the desired direction. It can also reduce adhesions and trigger points

Cupping attracts blood flow to the affected area, which brings essential nutrients to the area to assist in the healing of tissues. Typically, there is mild bruising that will dissipates in a few days. The bruising represents the removal of toxins underneath the tissue. The darker the color, the more congested the area is with toxins.

Cupping is often used as an adjunct to other therapeutic techniques. Patients with conditions related to the muscles and fascial structure will find that this therapy is very effective. Some patients with myofascial pain report resolution of pain after just one session.