Cupping

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a soft tissue technique that uses negative pressure (suction) to gently lift and decompress skin, fascia, and muscle tissue. Unlike massage, which compresses tissue, cupping pulls tissues away from underlying structures, allowing for increased circulation, release of tension, and enhanced mobility.

This therapy has ancient roots in Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian medicine, but has gained popularity in modern sports medicine and musculoskeletal care.

How It Works

Suction is created using either:

• Glass cups and flame (traditional fire cupping)
• Plastic or silicone cups with manual or pump suction (used in modern clinics like ours)

The suction lifts the skin and superficial fascia, causing a rush of blood to the area. This process is thought to:

• Improve circulation and oxygenation of local tissues
• Release fascial adhesions and knots in the muscle
• Flush metabolic waste through lymphatic stimulation
• Reduce tension and improve mobility
• Induce a parasympathetic (relaxation) response, calming the nervous system

Cupping is frequently used for:

• Chronic muscular tightness (e.g. upper back, neck, traps)
• Shoulder and hip mobility issues
• Post-exercise recovery
• Tension-type headaches
• Scar tissue and fascia-related movement restrictions

You may notice temporary circular marks (often mistaken for bruises) after treatment. These are caused by superficial capillary dilation and typically fade within 3–7 days. Cupping is safe when performed by trained practitioners and can be an excellent complement to other manual therapies or exercise-based care.

Relevant Research or Evidence

While more high-quality research is still needed, several studies have explored the potential benefits of cupping therapy for musculoskeletal pain and related symptoms:

• A 2024 systematic review found that cupping may be effective for reducing pain and improving physical function in conditions like low back pain.
• Study research found that cupping therapy reduced neck pain and improvements were observed in pressure-pain thresholds and quality of life measures.
• Cupping has been shown to help reduce inflammatory markers and improve circulation in affected tissues, which may support recovery and reduce discomfort.

Although clinical evidence continues to evolve, cupping is widely accepted as a low-risk complementary therapy when performed by trained practitioners.

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does cupping feel like?

• Most patients describe a pulling or stretching sensation during treatment. While it may feel unusual at first, many find it relaxing and report immediate relief in muscle tightness.

2. Will I get marks from the cups?

• Yes, cupping often leaves circular marks that look like bruises. These are not painful and typically fade within a few days to a week. They are caused by blood being drawn to the surface as part of the body’s natural healing response.

3. Is cupping safe?

• Yes, when performed by a qualified practitioner, cupping is generally considered safe. We follow strict hygiene and clinical protocols to ensure safety and comfort during every session.

4. Who performs cupping at your clinic?

• At Lakeside Chiropractic, cupping is performed by qualified chiropractors and massage therapists who have completed additional training in this technique.

5. How many sessions do I need?

• The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, goals, and response to treatment. Some patients benefit from 1–2 sessions for acute muscle tightness, while others may include it regularly as part of their care plan.