All About Myofascial Cupping

 

Myofascial Cupping

Whether or not you're a sports enthusiast, you've likely observed athletes arriving for their events with distinctive round purple or red marks on their backs or shoulders. You may have wondered what could have caused these marks. The simple answer is that these marks are a result of myofascial cupping. This form of therapy has gained popularity in recent years, especially among athletes. Below, we take a closer look at the therapy, its application, benefits, and disadvantages.

What is Myofascial Release Therapy and How Does it Work?

Myofascial release cupping is a physical therapy applied to the soft tissues of the body. Decompressed cups are placed on the skin. These cups create a vacuum effect resulting in the soft tissues including the fascia (the connective tissue), the muscles, and other tissues close to the surface of the skin being lifted up into the cup.

With that understanding of what the therapy is, we can now delve into how cupping works. During the therapy session, massage techniques are first applied to identify areas of muscular restriction and tension. Massage cupping techniques are then applied by attaching the cups and moving them over the surface of the skin where the areas of tension and tightness have been found. The cups may also be left on areas for short periods to eliminate trigger points or adhesions.

Why Does Myofascial Cupping Produce Those Round Marks and What are the Associated Benefits?

The suction of the cups used during the therapy creates negative pressure that causes dilatation as well as capillary rupture. This is what causes the round bruising.

The suction creates negative pressure that causes dilatation as well as capillary rupture. This is what causes the round bruising. Cupping stimulates inhibitory neural pathways, encourages blood circulation, alters pain thresholds, increases tissue temperature, and relieves swelling. Studies have also shown that it can help to relieve chronic pain and therefore improve patients’ quality of life.

Myofascial Cupping Benefits

Myofascial cupping has many therapeutic benefits which include:

  • Offering an effective way to stretch soft tissue passively

  • Improving blood circulation and drawing blood from deep tissue to the superficial tissue.

  • Causes the body to become more relaxed by reducing sympathetic nerve response and increasing parasympathetic nerve response.

  • Increasing the temperature of soft tissue

  • Reducing adhesion and tension in soft tissues

  • Preventing scarring or fibrosis by aligning collagen correctly and reducing localized inflammation.

  • Draining cellular debris from injury sites by encouraging the draining of lymph

  • Separating the layers of connective tissue and increasing hydration to the tissues

  • Increasing flexibility and movement in the joints

  • Encouraging the movement of lactic acid and metabolic waste.

Disadvantages Of Myofascial Cupping Therapy

While generally considered safe, this therapy does come with some potential disadvantages:

  • Temporary discomfort and bruising which typically fade within a few days

  • Skin irritation especially when cupping on sensitive skin or over broken skin, wounds, or infections

  • For people with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners, cupping may increase the risk of bleeding

  • Cupping is best used in conjunction with other therapies, and should not be seen as a standalone solution for chronic pain or other conditions

Myofascial Restrictions:

There are several situations where this type of therapy should not be applied. These include patients who have:

  • Suffered a fracture

  • Malignant tumors

  • Extreme cases of flu or colds

  • Acute musculoskeletal injuries

  • Herniated and bulging discs

  • Low blood pressure as well as other acute circulatory conditions including diabetes

  • Acute diseases

  • High temperatures

  • Aneurysm

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

  • Hematoma

  • Infection diseases

  • Hypersensitive skin

Try Myofascial Cupping Therapy in Bellevue

Want to experience the many benefits of cupping? Are you wondering whether this type of therapy is right for you? You can learn more about this therapy, its benefits, and whether it can help you by scheduling a consultation with our physical therapist. Higher Health Spine and Sports provides myofascial cupping therapy in Bellevue designed to help improve the quality of life of our clients. Get in touch with us now to schedule your consultation for myofascial cupping.

 
Ken Johnson