While the popularity of cupping has significantly increased in the past recent years, it isn’t a new practice. In fact, it was originally used by the ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures. It is an ancient form of alternative medicine that is performed by placing cups on the skin, in order to create suction.
Today, it is used as a way to relieve pain, promote relaxation, enhance blood flow, and ease inflammation. Our innovative care strategies at Polishuk Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. To find out more about how cupping may benefit you, request an appointment today.
I’m not so sure about cupping – does it really work?
While there are some apprehensions toward cupping, there is real science behind it. The suction within the cups creates negative pressure, which helps to increase hydration and blood flow to body tissues, ease up adhesions, and eliminate excess fluids. It is a versatile treatment that can be modified for your condition, whether you are in need of deep tissue massage or lymphatic drainage.
It is important to note that cupping is not a treatment method that will be performed on skin with wounds, infection, burns, or active inflammation. It can sometimes create bruises on the skin that can last up to two weeks. Bruises typically resolve themselves with time and should not be of concern.
Why should I choose cupping therapy?
Cupping can sometimes be described as a “tissue distraction release” technique. During the cupping process, the cups are glided across different areas of the body in order to lift and separate tissue. This works to enhance the release of the interfaces between the neural tissues, fascia, skin, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. It relaxes muscles, releases trigger points, improves lymphatic flow, increases local circulation, and releases scar tissue adhesion. Evidence supports cupping as an effective treatment method for several conditions, such as chronic neck pain, low back pain, and fibromyalgia.
There are three forms of cupping techniques: longitudinal, cross-fiber, and circular. The most common form is longitudinal, where the cup is glided longitudinally across the muscle fibers. Cross fiber is used when it is believed that the tissue is scarred. Circular is typically used at the end of the session, in order to ensure that all areas were covered.
It is no secret that cupping is a common and popular practice among athletes. In fact, several athletes from the 2016 Rio Olympics used cupping. A running patient with over a year history of 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 routine.
What can I expect from a cupping session?
Cupping is a fairly intricate process. Our Ambler, PA physical therapist will place cups on an individual’s skin which are held in place with negative pressure, allowing the skin to rise or suck up into the cups. This pressure can be achieved with a vacuum device, heating element, or by squeezing the silicone cups and placing them on the skin. The cups can be held in one spot over a muscle while the individual tries to move that muscle, or the cups can be moved up and down the length of the muscle as a type of massage.
How can I add cupping to my physical therapy sessions?
Muscular tension can negatively affect an athlete or patient’s muscle performance and can cause pain. Cupping treatments target the tense muscles and surrounding soft tissues to help increase circulation to the area and remove toxins. Visible circular bruising is a common result from the technique, but will usually disappear after one week. Depending on the individual’s sensitivity, treatments can range from comfortable to painful; however, the intensity of the suction can be adjusted to each person’s tolerance.
Although it will likely not make you an Olympic athlete, cupping techniques can decrease pain and improve mobility and muscle performance. Whether you are a recreational or competitive athlete, or seeking tension relief from your day to day tasks, cupping is one of the many tools and techniques that a physical therapist uses to relieve muscle tension and decrease pain. Request an appointment today to schedule an evaluation to see if cupping and physical therapy can help you!
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