Curious About Cupping?

When you think about cupping, you probably think about those well-known, red, circular marks, but it is much more than that. The art of cupping has been around for many years! So what's it all about?

The History of Cupping?

Originating from Ancient Chinese Medicine, Eastern medicine believes that cupping primarily affects the energy channels in the body (the flow of “Qi”) and can have a positive effect on illnesses/sicknesses, immune system function, and restoration of the body’s natural flow of energy. They often use what is referred to as “fire” cupping or “wet” cupping and their techniques are typically passive in nature.

Current Concepts in Cupping?

Western medicine believes that the benefits of cupping can:

-decrease pain

-increase speed of healing and recovery

-provide a decompression effect to an area

-provide a neuromuscular, relaxation effect of targeted musculature

-release soft tissue and connective tissue restrictions for improved tissue gliding and mobility

-increase blood flow/circulation/nutrient exchange between tissues

-improve movement quality and movement patterns of a targeted joint/region

Cupping utilizes negative pressure via suction cups to create lifting of the skin and underlying tissue layers. This can provide a decompression affect of those layers and allow for greater ease of gliding and improved mobility. This decompression affect is unlike most manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue massage, instrument assistance soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), active release techniques, etc., making cupping unique.

Dry cupping and a technique referred to as “Myofascial Decompression” (MFD) is often utilized at Redemption Physical Therapy. It consists of cupping techniques with specific active movement of the targeted joint/body region to maximize tissue gliding and mobility in a manner that is conducive to functional movements.

Common Uses of Cupping/MFD?

-Muscle Imbalances

-Movement pattern dysfunctions/imbalances

-Postural dysfunctions

-Scar mobility

-Tendonopathy (“tendonitis”)

-Pain

-Poor muscle activation

-Joint and muscle stiffness/tightness/contracture

-Post surgical management

-Sports medicine rehab

-Muscle Recovery

Is Cupping Safe?

Despite possibilities of mild soreness, tenderness, and the intimidating, red, circular marks/bruises it leaves behind, dry cupping is a safe treatment method to those who are deemed appropriate for it. Those marks that are simply a response to the negative pressure and increased blood flow to the area and should mostly resolve on their own within a couple days to a week.

Cupping/MFD should NOT be used on open wounds, on anyone with a serious heart condition or vascular compromise, active TB, hemophilia, active cancer, high fever or influenza, skin disorders or over hernias. As most techniques, caution should be used for those during pregnancy. Caution should also be used for sensitive areas of the body, for those with thin skin/susceptibility of skin tearing, and for those who regularly consume a blood thinner.

Does it Work?

Based on our observations, individuals often experience muscle relaxation, reduced pain, and enhanced tissue mobility in the treated area. We frequently use cupping through MFD, combined with specific movements, to enhance the gliding of the skin and fascial layers, while the cups create a lifting effect.

We recommend pairing cupping with targeted exercises to promote LONG TERM CHANGES!

👇 Ready to give it a shot?

Book a session or DM me on Instagram @marissarose_redemptionpt to learn more!