Both Optimize physiotherapists and massage therapists can use cupping therapy during treatments. We consider it an adjunct treatment option that can help promote healing and manage pain during a clinical session. It’s often used as it works well—in fact, you might already know just how popular it is among athletes.

Special cups are placed on the skin for a few minutes to create suction. The suction within the cups creates negative pressure, which helps to increase hydration and blood flow to body tissues, loosen adhesions within the muscles and connective tissue, and eliminate excess fluids. Ultimately, this assists pain management by reducing swelling and inflammation. Cupping can sometimes be described as a “tissue distraction release.” 

During the cupping process, the cups are glided across different areas of the body in order to lift and separate tissue. This works to enhance the release of the interfaces between the neural tissues, fascia, skin, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Muscles relax and trigger points release. 

The only negative might be the bruises that can show up shortly afterward! These are nothing to worry about however—they typically last two weeks and resolve on their own.