Cupping Therapy: What Is it, Benefits & Common Conditions Treated
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of an alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. Traditionally, this suction was thought to improve the flow of energy in the body and facilitate healing. We now know that it lengthens out the fascial connective tissue restrictions that may be contributing to your chronic pain. The types of cups that massage therapists usually use are silicone and plastic while other healthcare professionals use fire and glass cupping. The cups can be used in different ways during a massage therapy treatment, either stationary, in which the cup stays in a particular spot on a muscle or with motion as the therapist glides the cups down the length of a muscle.
What are the Benefits of Cupping Therapy?
- Increases circulation
- Improves scar tissue
- Decreases adhesions
- Helps with releasing fascial restrictions
- Helps with increasing mobility and range of motion
What Conditions Does Cupping Treat?
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Headaches and Migraines
- Nerve compression syndromes
- Back, shoulder, neck pain and knee pain
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Tendonitis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Muscle Strains
- Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
What To Expect From a Cupping Treatment?
Your first visit will include an assessment by one of our massage therapists. This will include hearing the history of your complaint, and a focussed physical exam of the area such as range of motion testing. Having decreased range of motion or decreased mobility, is a major indication that cupping will be beneficial for you.
You may not receive cupping during the first massage. Cupping is indicated when during palpation or treatment the therapist finds a tight muscle or a notable amount of overlying scar tissue in the area.
The cups feel like a constant pull and could feel pinchy at times. It’s normal to get red or sometimes purple cupping marks after a treatment. They may last four to five days depending on your skin sensitivity. A lot of people notice longer lasting pain relief and mobility when they receive a cupping treatment.
I have been a massage therapist for four years now, and I can’t tell you how many patients came in for a cupping treatment and noticed great results afterwards!
If you’re interested in a Cupping treatment, book an assessment at Choice Health Centre.