Cupping for Healing and Recovery
A Therapeutic Trend in Sports and Manual Therapy
If you’ve watched any high-profile sports event, like the Olympics, you’ve likely noticed athletes with circular marks resembling bruises on their skin. These distinctive red circles are not the result of injury, but rather, a form of therapy known as cupping. While this ancient technique has roots in Eastern Medicine, it has gained significant popularity in recent years—especially among athletes—who claim it helps relieve pain and improve muscle function. But does it actually work? And if so, how?
The Roots of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is centuries old, used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote healing by drawing blood and other fluids to the skin’s surface. The theory is that this process creates an environment where healing properties are activated, promoting better circulation and easing pain. While its efficacy remains debated, cupping is widely regarded as a tool to support manual therapy. And in that context, it might help explain why some individuals experience relief.
The Science Behind Cupping
Manual therapy, including cupping, has been shown to release endogenous chemicals in the body—namely cannabinoids, endorphins, and serotonin. These compounds play key roles in pain regulation, which is why many report feeling relief after a session. According to a study by Chad E. Cook (2021), these neurochemical responses can help reduce pain perception and enhance a sense of well-being.
Cupping is often used to address muscle knots, which occur when bundles of muscle fibers are in constant spasm. These knots can lead to discomfort and pain, often caused by a lack of blood flow, known as ischemia. Research by Queme et al. (2017) suggests that cupping may help alleviate this ischemia by promoting increased blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing the discomfort caused by muscle tension.
How Cupping Works
During a cupping session, cups are either left in place for several minutes or glided along the skin. The suction created by the cups lifts the skin and underlying tissues, helping to improve circulation in the targeted area. The marks left behind by the cups—often red or purple—are typically harmless and fade after a few days. The therapeutic benefits are thought to stem from the increased blood flow, which helps flush out metabolic waste products and bring in oxygen-rich blood for healing.
Why It’s Gaining Popularity
While scientific consensus on cupping remains mixed, its growing popularity among athletes and individuals seeking pain relief suggests that many find it beneficial. When combined with other forms of manual therapy, cupping may help improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance overall mobility. For many, the immediate relief experienced after a cupping session outweighs any lingering skepticism about its long-term effectiveness.
Interested in Trying Cupping?
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, or discomfort and are curious about how cupping could help, it may be worth trying under the guidance of a trained professional. At Body Harmony Physical Therapy, we offer one-on-one physical therapy sessions for both pelvic floor and orthopedic concerns. Our treatments, which may include cupping as part of a comprehensive therapy plan, are conducted in private rooms to ensure personalized care and comfort.
For more information, feel free to give us a call at 212-233-9494 or email us at frontdesk@bodyharmonypt.com. We offer a quick call-back option for potential patients with questions or concerns related to physical therapy.
References:
- Cook, C. E. (2021). The Demonization of Manual Therapy.
- Queme, L. F., Ross, J. L., & Jankowski, M. P. (2017). Peripheral Mechanisms of Ischemic Myalgia. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 11, 419.
