If you’ve ever watched sports, you may have noticed circular marks on the skin of some athletes. Those are often the result of myofascial cupping. This ancient therapy has been practiced for thousands of years and is now commonly used by massage therapists and other health professionals alongside other treatments.
Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum-like suction. This negative pressure helps stimulate the underlying connective tissues.
While some wear their cupping marks with pride, you might still be wondering: what exactly is myofascial cupping?
What is Myofascial Cupping?
Myofascial cupping promotes healing by boosting blood flow and targeting the fascia, the connective tissue that can restrict movement. It complements massage therapy by helping to release muscle tension, break up adhesions (scar tissue), and reduce stubborn knots.
Unlike traditional massage, which uses compression, cupping creates negative pressure to lift and separate tissues. This can ease swelling, reduce chronic pain, and support the lymphatic system.
Stationary Cups vs Gliding Cups
Practitioners typically apply two main techniques: stationary or gliding cupping.
Stationary cups are placed on specific areas and left in place for up to 15 minutes to help heal scar tissue, release adhesions, and improve mobility. Gliding cups, applied with oil or lotion, are gently moved along larger muscle groups like the back, quads, hamstrings, or calves. This technique can help make the tissue more pliable and increase range of motion.
Lacey may use one or both methods depending on your specific tension, stiffness, or injury.
What can Myofascial Cupping help with?
Myofascial cupping is a versatile treatment technique, and while some like cupping therapy for further relaxation, it can also offer relief for various conditions, such as:
- Muscle stiffness and tightness
- Headaches
- Piriformis syndrome and sciatica
- Knee pain
- IT band issues
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Practitioners use a range of cup sizes—from small cups for areas like the neck, wrists, feet, and ankles, to larger cups for the glutes and legs—allowing them to target almost every tissue in the body.
The Benefits of Myofascial Cupping
- Triggering the parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation.
- Passively stretching soft tissues.
- Alleviating muscle tension.
- Preventing scar tissue buildup.
- Separating connective tissue layers to release tight muscles.
- Improving joint flexibility and range of motion.
Does Cupping Hurt?
While cupping marks might make some think the treatment is painful, most people describe the sensation as a gentle suction. There may be a brief sting at first, but it fades quickly.
What are Cupping Marks?
Cupping therapy may leave circular marks on the skin, which are a normal and expected part of the process. These marks occur due to the suction created by the cups, which draws the skin and underlying tissues into the cup. As the blood vessels expand and blood flow increases to the area, it can cause small capillaries beneath the skin to rupture, leading to the visible discoloration.
It’s important to note that these marks are not bruises in the traditional sense and they typically don’t cause pain. While the marks may last anywhere from a few hours to a week, they are harmless and usually fade as your body’s natural healing process takes over.
Even if you don’t experience much discoloration, you can still reap the full benefits of cupping, as the technique stimulates tissue mobility, increases range of motion, and alleviates tension regardless of the appearance of the marks.
Think Cupping would be right for you?
Visit Lacey at 2457 Main Street, entrance through the side door.