Myofascial Cupping

    cupping Covington & Mandeville, LA

    Myofascial Cupping therapy may be the in thing now, but it’s not anything new. It was used by the ancient Middle Eastern, Chinese and Egyptian cultures. Cupping is actually an ancient form of alternative medicine where cups are put on the skin to create suction. In a way, these cultures were ahead of their time. Today, it’s used to help with relaxation, blood flow, pain and inflammation. Some think of it as a deep-tissue massage.

    Myofascial or ‘Cupping’ is a therapy in which a plastic cup is applied to the skin then the pressure in the cup is reduced by suction in order to draw and hold skin and superficial muscle tissue/fascia inside the cup. Cupping is applied to certain parts of the body that have been affected by pain or muscle/fascia tightness. The cupping process draws blood from your vessels and into your tissue. This starts a positive inflammatory response.

    Why Cupping Therapy Is Done

    Physical therapists may sometimes use cupping as a technique of tissue distraction release. The cups are glided across different areas to lift and separate tissue. It enhances the release of the interfaces between the neural tissues, fascia, skin, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Some patients with myofascial pain report resolution of pain after just one session. There is also some evidence to suggest that cupping techniques are effective for chronic neck pain, low back pain and fibromyalgia. It has also been shown to relax muscles, release trigger points, improve lymphatic flow, increase local circulation and release scar tissue adhesion.

    Cupping therapy is popular among athletes. Numerous athletes from the Olympics in Rio 2016 used cupping. An athlete patient with over a year history of iliotibial band (ITB) pain reported instant relief following a three minute session of cupping. The technique was repeated a week later. Following only two cupping sessions, he was symptom free and returned to his usual running. What can we learn? Cupping therapy may potentially be more effective than techniques that focus on further compressing down on soft-tissues that are hypothesized to be tight.

    There’s real science behind cupping therapy. By creating suction with negative pressure, it can increase hydration and blood to body tissues, ease up adhesions, rid excess fluids and eliminate connective tissues. It’s a versatile treatment and can be modified from deep tissue release to lymphatic drainage. This modality is sometimes used in physical therapy and medical massage.

    Cupping should not be performed on skin sites with wounds, infection, burns or active inflammation. Sometimes, it can create bruises on the skin that can last up to two weeks. Bruises typically resolve themselves with time.

    The Process
    The cups are placed on the skin in areas of tender/tight muscles or trigger points, then either moved along muscles to release the underlying fascia. Cups are generally left in place for five to ten minutes. The skin will normally redden due to increased blood flow. The cup is removed from the skin once treatment is complete. Some bruising from the cup is to be expected days. This is a normal and typically isn’t painful.

  • Benefits of cupping include:

    • Stimulate Blood Flow
    • Drain Lymph and cellular debris
    • Separate layers of connective tissue to bring hydration and blood flow to body tissues
    • Soften tight muscles
    • Relieve deep muscular issues and reduce muscle spasms
    • Lift and stretch soft tissue to separate fascial restrictions
    • Increase range of movement and flexibility in joints.
    • Move stagnations of lactic acid and metabolic waste and enable normal lymphatic flow to promote healthy circulation and help strengthen the immune system.

    Other specific Conditions cupping can help:

    • Scar tissue post-surgical
    • Plantar fascia or plantar foot pain
    • Stiffness or tightness in any muscular area’s
    • Back Pain
    • Headaches
    • Neck Pain
    • Chronic Pain
    • Jaw Pain (TMJ)

    • Other Benefits of Cupping

    Cupping can boost skin health, help with respiratory issues and improve digestion. It’s been used to speed up recovery from the flu and common colds by improving immunity. It also reduces symptoms from disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

    Would you like to know more about cupping? Contact Us Today at Covington & Mandeville, LA Centers. We’ll schedule an appointment and assess whether or not you’re a good candidate for cupping therapy. It’s not for everybody. Our skilled physical therapists will do a full assessment of your condition and needs.