Cupping therapy increases blood flow, decrease tightness in muscles and encourages healing. A special type of cup is placed on the problem area creating a vacuum, which increases circulation. The cups are placed on trigger points such as knots or swollen muscles. Cupping can be used to treat pinched nerves, tight muscles or back pain.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which the physical therapist places special cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping is a type of deep-tissue massage utilized to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, and to promote relaxation and well-being.
The benefits of cupping are similar to those of massage including:
- Decreased pain
- Promotion of healing
- Improved blood flow
- Improved range of motion
- Break-up of adhesions/scar tissue
Benefits of Cupping vs Traditional Massage Techniques
Traditional massage techniques include compression of a patient’s muscles and connective tissues; cupping therapy techniques decompress patients’ muscles and connective tissues. This decompression effect can be more beneficial as it allows separation between muscles and the surrounding connective tissues.
The negative pressure created from cupping helps improve blood flow and the release of hormones (kinin, histamine, prostaglandins, serotonin, etc.), which helps to stimulate the healing process. The negative pressure helps to destroy latent (non-functional) blood and lymphatic capillaries, thereby leading to the regeneration of new capillary beds. These effects result in an increased supply of oxygen/nutrients to the area and helps with toxin removal.
If you’re interested in learning more about cupping, or you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, please call us today!
