Cupping
Cupping therapy may be the “in” thing right now, but it is not anything new. It was used by the ancient Middle Eastern, Chinese and Egyptian cultures. Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine where cups are put on the skin to create suction. Today, it is used to help with relaxation, blood flow, pain, and inflammation. Some think of it as a deep-tissue massage.
How it is Done
A physical therapist utilizes a rubber pump to create a vacuum. It causes the skin to rise and the blood vessels to expand. Sometimes, silicone cups are used to create a massage effect. This creates the same effect as the familiar use of cupping by placing a flammable substance like herbs or alcohol in a cup.
Why it is Done
Physical therapists may sometimes use cupping as a technique of tissue distraction release. The cups are glided across different areas to lift and separate tissue. It enhances the release of the interfaces between the neural tissues, fascia, skin, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Some patients with myofascial pain report resolution of pain after just one session. There is also some evidence to suggest that cupping techniques are effective for chronic neck pain, low back pain and fibromyalgia. It has also been shown to relax muscles, release trigger points, improve lymphatic flow, increase local circulation and release scar tissue adhesion.
The three cupping techniques are longitudinal, cross fiber and circular. The longitudinal technique is the most common, and the cup is glided longitudinally across the muscle fibers. The cross fiber technique is used when it is believed that the tissue is scarred. The circular technique is used at the end of the session to ensure that all areas were covered.
This therapy is popular among athletes. Numerous athletes from the Olympics in Rio 2016 used cupping. An athlete with a history of chronic iliotibial band (ITB) pain reported instant relief following a three-minute session of cupping. The technique was repeated a week later. Following only two cupping sessions, he was symptom-free and returned to his usual running. What can we learn? Cupping therapy may potentially be more effective than techniques that focus on further compressing down on soft-tissues that are hypothesized to be tight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cupping
Your physical therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy may consider cupping when temporary soft tissue discomfort or mobility limitations are affecting movement. Before using the technique, your physical therapist will consider your condition, health history, and treatment goals. When appropriate, cupping can complement an individualized plan of care that includes active treatment to build strength, mobility, and physical capacity.
A short-term change may make it easier to participate in movement or exercise, but cupping does not independently restore strength or physical function. Your expert Bay State Physical Therapy will continue to address any relevant strength, mobility, balance, or activity-tolerance limitations identified during your evaluation.
Cupping does not “detox” your tissues, and darker circles do not mean that more toxins were removed or that treatment was more successful. Your physical therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy can review the expected skin response with you before treatment so you understand what the marks mean and what to expect afterward.
You may experience temporary tenderness or skin discoloration afterward. Your physical therapy expert will base the amount of suction on your response rather than assuming a stronger treatment is more effective.Cupping should remain comfortable enough that it does not unnecessarily interfere with the rest of your rehabilitation.
The reason your muscle feels tight still matters. Weakness, repetitive activity, limited joint mobility, or changes in physical demands may contribute.
Cupping cannot strengthen a muscle or address every cause of tightness. Your Bay State physical therapist can use cupping when appropriate while also incorporating exercises that address the movement, strength, or physical capacity you need to improve.
Tell your physical therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy about relevant medical conditions and medications before receiving cupping. Your physical therapist can determine whether the technique is appropriate for you and the area being treated. If cupping is not a good option, another evidence-informed treatment can be used instead.
Is Cupping Effective?
There is real science behind this therapy. By creating suction with negative pressure, it can increase hydration and blood to body tissues, ease up adhesions, rid excess fluids and eliminate connective tissues. Cupping is a versatile treatment and can be modified from deep tissue release to lymphatic drainage.
It should not be performed on skin sites with wounds, infection, burns or active inflammation. Sometimes, it can create bruises on the skin that can last up to two weeks. Bruises typically resolve themselves with time.
Other Benefits of Cupping
It can boost skin health, help with respiratory issues and improve digestion. This technique has been used to speed up recovery from the flu and common colds by improving immunity. It also reduces symptoms from disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Would you like to know more about cupping? Give Bay State Physical Therapy a call today. Our skilled physical therapists will do a full assessment of your condition and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for cupping therapy.