Cupping Therapy
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy uses specially designed cups placed on the skin to create gentle suction. This lifts the underlying tissues and provides a different approach to working with tight or sensitive muscles.
The technique can be used to ease muscular tension, encourage local circulation and help areas of the body feel less restricted. The level of suction can be adjusted throughout treatment to suit your comfort.
Cupping may also be used alongside soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, taping or exercise rehabilitation, depending on your symptoms and what’s most useful for your recovery.
What are the benefits?
Releases tension: Helps relax tight and overworked muscles.
Encourages circulation: Promotes blood flow through the treated area.
Improves mobility: Helps restricted tissues move more comfortably.
Targets tight areas: Focuses treatment where tension has developed.
Adjustable intensity: Suction can be tailored to your comfort.
Supports recovery: Complements other hands-on and rehabilitation techniques.
Cupping Therapy FAQ
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The cups create negative pressure that gently lifts the skin and underlying soft tissues rather than pressing down on them. This allows your practitioner to work with areas of muscular tightness and restriction in a different way to traditional massage techniques.
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Cupping can temporarily leave round red, pink or darker marks where the cups were positioned. These marks are caused by the suction applied to the skin and usually fade naturally over time. Their appearance can vary between people and treatment areas.
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Yes. Depending on the treatment goal, cups may remain in one position or be gently moved across the skin. Your practitioner will choose the technique and level of suction according to the area being treated and how your tissues respond.
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Yes. Cupping can be applied in different ways depending on the treatment approach. You may hear terms such as Chinese cupping treatment or myofascial cupping therapy, but both involve using suction cups on the body. In a musculoskeletal setting, cupping is typically used to work with tight muscles and soft tissues, with the technique adapted to your individual needs.
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The treated area may feel different immediately afterwards, and some people experience temporary tenderness or visible marks. Your practitioner will explain what to expect based on the technique used and provide any relevant advice following your session.
