Adhesions within the fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscle
bodies, can cause pain, stiffness and limited range of motion.
Myofascial Cupping (or Cupping) utilizes suction cups to lift the skin and fascial tissue away from the muscle allowing the underlying muscle to achieve increased blood flow, relaxation, and tissue mobility.
Types of Cups:
soft silicone cups
plastic cups (that use a hand pump to create the vacuum effect)
glass cups (which require a flame to create the suction, as seen more often in Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Your physical therapist is likely to use silicone or plastic cups.
Techniques:
Stationary Cupping – where cups are left in place for up to 15 minutes. Multiple cups
can be placed at one time.
Gliding – where a single cup is set to light suction and moved along the skin to create a
release along the entire length of a muscle body.
“Bruising”:
The marks left behind by cups can be purple-ish in color which can appear like a bruise.
However, they are not actually traditional bruises as we known them. The discoloration
is proposed to be caused by blood capillaries, lactic acid, and metabolic waste. You will likely see these marks appear where the tissue and muscle are more “unhealthy” or tight, or if the cups are left on for a longer period of time.
Medical Conditions:
This modality isn’t recommended for patients with fragile skin or with certain blood disorders.
Be sure to thoroughly discuss your medical conditions, medications and questions with
your physical therapist prior to treatment so that you can be informed of the risk and the
benefits!
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