04 May Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is something you’ve probably seen before because it’s easy to notice those dark circles on an athlete’s back. In this blog, we’ll dive right into the basics of cupping therapy and how you could benefit from it.
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy uses small cups placed on the skin. Gentle suction is created inside the cups, which lightly lifts the skin and muscles underneath (Cao et al. (2012) Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
This helps to:
– Reduce muscle tension
– Increase blood circulation
– May help to reduce pain
– Make movement feel easier
Cupping is commonly used on the back, shoulders, neck and legs.
What does cupping feel like?
Most people feel:
– A strong pulling or stretching sensation
– Pressure rather than pain
– Relief as muscles relax
The treatment is always adjusted to your comfort level.
Why do cupping marks appear?
The round marks left after cupping are normal and harmless.
– They are caused by increased blood flow under the skin
– They usually fade within a few days
– Darker marks do not mean better treatment.
What can cupping help with?
Cupping may help:
– Neck and back pain
– Tight shoulders
– Headaches caused by muscle tension
– Postural strain from desk work
– General muscle tightness
Some research suggests cupping therapy may provide short-term pain relief and improve function, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions (Lauche, R (2013) Forsch Komplementmed)
Is cupping safe?
Yes, when performed by trained professionals.
Cupping may not be suitable if you:
– Have broken skin or irritated skin.
– Have certain medical conditions
– Taking any specific medications (e.g. blood thinners)
Your practitioner will assess if cupping is appropriate for you.
Is cupping enough on its own?
Cupping is not a stand-alone treatment. It may help with pain relief and muscle tension, providing an opportunity to move more comfortably and begin recovery.
At Sun Chiropractic, we combine cupping with:
– Physiotherapy or Chiropractic care
– Education surrounding the reason why muscles become tight in the first place.
– Identifying the root cause and addressing this, rather than treating just symptoms.
This approach helps achieve longer-lasting results by addressing the root cause and not just the symptoms.
In summary
Cupping therapy is a safe and simple treatment that can help reduce muscle tightness and improve movement. It works best when used alongside Physiotherapy and Chiropractic care.
If you’re curious about cupping, the team at Sun Chiropractic is happy to answer your questions.
References:
Cao H, et al. Cupping therapy for treating pain: a systematic review. PLoS One. 2012.