What is cupping?
And then when would you not use cupping?
Cupping is a soft tissue technique that is intended to lift up the soft tissue, fascia, and muscle underneath the cup in order to create circulation under the cup. It helps to improve circulation but also if the suction is big enough it can lengthen the tissue underneath.
It helps to:
If the blood flow is increased under the area the blood usually contains a lot of healing agents. Cupping will speed up the healing process of the involved tissue.
There are conditions that I would not use cupping with. If the client is:
- Currently in their first trimester of pregnancy
- Have cancer going on
- Back pain that's from a disc herniation
- Open wound
- Infection
- Recent fragile scar
However, if the patient's wound or scar is stabilized over time I might actually use cutting to facilitate some scar mobility but then definitely no the acute phase of the wound.
In general cupping is a very safe procedure because the protocol is very clearly monitored.
A common myth is it will always create a lot of bruises. This is not true because there are very light techniques and then if the proper after care is done to promote the circulation usually it won't create as much of a bruising like we commonly see on TV.
Call 512.215.4227 to learn more about how you can sign up for a cupping session with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy.