What the Cup is that?!

There are numerous hands-on techniques or manual therapies that different providers can include in your treatment and recovery: one that has become increasingly popular in recent years is cupping.  Cupping can be performed by professionals including physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, medical doctors, etcetera.  Here at Studio ME Fitness we highly recommend working with someone who has training on properly performing cupping, as cupping sets can easily be bought online by literally anyone… with no knowledge or expertise as to why or how to utilize this tool.

Myofascial decompression (AKA “cupping”) for low back pain

So what is cupping?  Cupping involves suction of the cup(s) against skin, which creates negative pressure allowing for myofascial decompression.  What does myofascial decompression even mean?  Myo= muscle, fascia= connective tissue surrounding bones/muscles/organs/etc., decompression (in medical terms) = removal or repositioning of any structure comprising another structure.  In summation, this technique is utilized to decrease muscle tension while increasing the metabolic response and lymphatic mobility in our tissues.

Cupping is different from massage therapy or trigger point release in that both of those forms of treatment involve direct pressure, whereas cupping involves negative pressure, or a vacuum-like effect.  Instead of pushing down aggressively on a tissue to get it to release, the suctioning effect of the cup lifts the tissue allowing more room for healing properties of fluids to enter the space needing repair.  Capillaries in that area of skin being suctioned are “damaged” while new and increased blood flow to the area occurs for healing. 

Research on cupping has shown it CAN provide a positive impact on chronic pain, inflammation, muscle soreness/tightness, circulation, range of motion, scar tissue  mobility, headaches, and general stress management.  Further research is warranted as there have not been many large studies or systematic reviews on the effects of this modality.  It is also important to be aware of the risks associated with cupping, although they are fairly minimal (especially with dry cupping); these risks include potential bruising, swelling (fades in a few days), and residual soreness.  Cupping of the abdomen area and lower back is contraindicated for people who are pregnant. 

Myofascial decompression for quad pain, ITB Syndrome, and/or knee pain

Lucky for you, it is another form of manual treatment that can be incorporated into your physical therapy plan of care!  Other manual treatments you may be familiar with include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, joint manipulation, dry needling (by a certified provider like our very own Dr. Bailey), scraping, etcetera.  Dry cupping is non-invasive (unlike wet cupping involving bloodletting, or other treatments like dry needling and acupuncture that involve breaking the barrier of the skin).

Cupping can be stagnant or dynamic. Stagnant cupping involves the cups being placed appropriately on your body and remaining stationary, however you yourself could be moving with the cups attached to you.  Cupping can be utilized simultaneously with exercise while being monitored in the clinic to increase the potential benefits of this adjunct treatment! The cupping process itself can also be dynamic in that your PT can move the cups along your skin while suction is maintained; this is more likely to be done while you are stationary and is especially good for things like scar tissue and various forms of headaches including migraines, tension headaches, and sinus headaches.  The most passive form of cupping would be stagnant cups on a non-moving person; stagnant cupping is also likely to lead to increased bruising due to the time a cup is left stationary.

In isolation cupping can be helpful for managing short term symptoms, but in conjunction with appropriate exercise prescription it can provide long term benefits, symptom reduction, and injury prevention! 

Myofascial decompression for shoulder pain and mobility limitations

Have more questions or interest in possibly incorporating cupping into your treatment plan or overall well being plan of care? 

Book a call with our in-house physical therapist, Dr. Bailey Van Oosbree, to learn more.