Cupping is a newly popularized modality, thanks to certain high-profile athletes and celebrities. However, no one therapy can meet the needs of everyone. Patients have different levels of tolerance and preferences in their approach to healing.
Traditionally, cupping is used to draw internal toxins from the tissues and remove congestion. It assists in removing toxins and moving the “qi” through the channels (or meridians).
But what about tight muscles and pain syndromes?
Well, the modern spin on cupping involves the myofascial approach. Myofascial cupping targets those stubborn knots, also called trigger points, and taut bands or groups of muscles that restrict your movements and cause aches and pains. So, the physical benefits are very real, especially when we see the improvements in our practice!
When we apply cups to targeted areas, there is a decompressive effect. The layers below the skin are “decompressed”. This allows better fluid flow through quite an intricate matrix of fibrous connective tissues and a lattice of fluid channels that exist just below the skin.
Ligament fibers connecting the skin to this matrix, grip tight when we are experiencing stiffness and pain. Cupping therapy releases that tension to stimulate better flow of circulation and toxin drainage.
What Other Conditions Benefit from Cupping Therapy?
headaches
migraines
low back pain
neck stiffness
whiplash
tight muscles
postural weakness
carpal tunnel syndrome
rotator cuff syndrome
tendinitis
chest congestion: bronchitis, COPD
fibromyalgia
plantar fasciitis
ITB syndrome (Common in cyclists, and runners)
If you have a complaint that is not listed here, please contact us! We just listed the most common conditions.
How Does Cupping Therapy Feel?
Generally, your skin is being gently pulled outward (suctioned). You may initially feel a limitation in the movement of nearby limbs, then a gradual relaxation. If the cups feel too intense, they are adjusted or removed. Our doctors investigate potential reasons for the intolerance and other options are presented to help you achieve the results you desire.
Our Approach to Cupping Therapy.
In our practice, we use silicone cups because they are flexible, comfortable and can easily be used in conjunction with standing or sitting positions and active movements. This provides the maximum benefit of relief and mobility in the joints. We will strategically place the cups and if beneficial to the patient, we can mobilize the cups while they are suctioning: gliding, oscillating to optimize the effects.
Often, we have our patients perform gentle movements in strategic directions while the cups are decompressing the target tissues.
For stationary therapies, we may use hard glass cups with a pump to control the amount of suction for a specific therapeutic benefit.
Cupping therapy is used in conjunction with other therapies in our practice, such as chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and kinesio taping. More intense; more time under cupping is not better, therefore It only takes a few minutes to achieve results! Chiropractic adjustments performed after cupping are usually more comfortable for the very tense patient.
Are you tired of recurring stiffness? Pain?
For more information on strategic cupping therapy, please call us or send us a message!
We would be happy to assist in finding the right approach for you!
