Cupping & Myofascial Decompression
There are numerous hands-on techniques or manual therapies that different providers can include in your treatment and recovery: one that has become increasingly popular in recent years is cupping. Cupping can be performed by professionals including physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, medical doctors, etcetera. Here at Loon State Physical Therapy we highly recommend seeing someone who has training on properly performing cupping, as cupping sets can easily be bought online by literally anyone.
So what is cupping? Cupping involves suction of the cup(s) against skin, which creates negative pressure allowing for myofascial decompression. What does myofascial decompression even mean? Myo= muscle, fascia= connective tissue surrounding bones/muscles/organs/etc., decompression (in medical terms) = removal or repositioning of any structure comprising another structure. In summation, this technique is utilized to decrease muscle tension while increasing the metabolic response and lymphatic mobility in our tissues.
Cupping is different from massage therapy or trigger point release in that both of those forms of treatment involve direct pressure, whereas cupping involves negative pressure or a vacuum-like effect. Instead of pushing down aggressively on a tissue to get it to release, the suctioning effect of the cup lifts the tissue allowing more room for healing properties of fluids to enter the space requiring healing or repair. Capillaries in that area of skin being suctioned are “damaged” while new and increased blood flow to the area occurs for healing.
Research on cupping has shown it CAN provide a positive impact on chronic pain, inflammation, muscle soreness/tightness, circulation, range of motion, scar tissue mobility, headaches, and general stress management. Further research is warranted as there have not been many large studies or systematic reviews on the effects of this modality. It is also important to be aware of the risks associated with cupping, although they are fairly minimal (especially with dry cupping); these risks include potential bruising, swelling (fades in a few days), and residual soreness. Cupping of the abdomen area and lower back is contraindicated for people who are pregnant.
Lucky for you, it is another form of manual treatment that can be incorporated into your physical therapy plan of care! Other manual treatments you may be familiar with include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, joint manipulation, dry needling (by a certified provider), scraping, etcetera. Dry cupping is non-invasive (unlike wet cupping involving bloodletting, or other treatments like dry needling and acupuncture that involve breaking the barrier of the skin).
Cupping can be stagnant or dynamic. Stagnant cupping involves the cups being placed appropriately on your body and remaining stationary, however you yourself could be moving with the cups attached to you. Cupping can be utilized simultaneously with exercise while being monitored in the clinic to increase the potential benefits of this adjunct treatment! The cupping process itself can also be dynamic in that your PT can move the cups along your skin while suction is maintained; this is more likely to be done while you are stationary and is especially good for things like scar tissue and various forms of headaches including migraines, tension headaches, and sinus headaches. The most passive form of cupping would be stagnant cups on a non-moving person.
In isolation cupping can be helpful for managing short term symptoms, but in conjunction with appropriate exercise prescription it can provide long term benefits, symptom reduction, and injury prevention!
Have more questions or interest in possibly incorporating cupping into your treatment plan or overall well being plan of care? We would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
Bailey Van Oosbree, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Loon State Physical Therapy