What is cupping therapy?
Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures have relied on cupping therapy for thousands of years, but it’s only through popular culture moments such as the televised Olympics, that Westerners have been introduced to the ancient medical practice. It’s now a popular treatment style with athletes, among others. This therapy is performed by strategically placing cups with suction on the skin. The resulting suction redirects circulation to break up fascial adhesions and increase blood flow in problem areas which promotes healing and healthy tissue regeneration. Cupping is used as a way to relieve pain, promote relaxation, enhance blood flow, and ease inflammation.
What conditions can cupping therapy treat?
Since proper circulation is a key component of treating so many conditions, it’s not surprising that cupping is used as a complementary therapy for a wide range of treatment plans. In terms of physical therapy, cupping is generally used in conjunction with other treatments to help alleviate pain. Neck pain, lower back pain, and IT band syndrome are among the conditions for which patients have reported favorable results. Decreased stiffness after an exercise session is another welcome result many patients experience. By helping to improve circulation, this treatment improves overall flexibility and range of motion in targeted problem areas.
How do physical therapists perform cupping?
While you’ll still find Eastern practitioners who employ the “fire” technique of cupping, modern physical therapists typically use vacuum pumps inserted into the cups, or specially made silicone suction cups. Our therapists at Advantage PT are trained in using silicone suction cups for a gentler approach to breaking up scar tissue and promoting blood flow.
What should I do if I’m interested?
At Advantage PT, our physical therapists are highly trained in modern cupping techniques, but it’s always wise to consult your primary physician if you have reservations. The risk of adverse effects from cupping has proven to be low in numerous studies, but if you have excessive bruising issues or are on blood thinners, some cupping methods may not be right for you. Call us today to learn more about our modern cupping treatment methods, and how we integrate them to complement our other physical therapy treatments, to help you conquer your pain and mobility issues.
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