Myofascial Cupping (dry)

Cupping is a historic practice that used animal horns and fire to provide treatment but here at FT Sports Massage Therapy, we use a more modern and easier way of plastic cups, are applied to the skin and then the pressure of the cup is reduced (by suction) drawing the superficial skin, fascia and muscle inside the cup.

Once applied, the cup lifts the tissue and begins to take effect with negative pressure. It allows the tissue that has become fused and contain adhesions due to injury, dehydration or chronic inflammation to separate. The body stives for fluidity and suppleness, when tissues become stuck, it cannot move effectively.  

Did you know, the human anatomy has the capacity to store material within the layers of tissue.  This material is called interstitial debris. It can be any material that the body cannot dispose of on it own. Examples of this debris can be:

·       Old blood deposits from surgery or injury

·       Toxins, from chemical exposure

·       Metabolic waste such as lactic acid

·       Medications

·       Cellular waste that the lymphatic system cannot deal with

·       Foreign objects such as stitches, a bit of shrapnel from an accident

Cupping can work to draw such materials out to help the body maintain structural integrity restoring harmonious balance between connective tissues and fibres from other tissues. Think of the cups as a hoover and the body is a carpet that needs to be cleaned.

Cupping has a great effect on blood. Cups act as a vacuum, drawing fluids into and area through vasodilation and encourages them through their respective exchange processes, transportation of nutrients and removal of waste material at the same time through the capillaries.

The suction from the cups pulls blood into tissues that are dehydrated, malnourished or deficient in blood.

The entire body can benefit from cupping

Increased circulation – promoting overall circulation even down to capillary level.

Alleviate adhesions – the ability to lift and separate tissue while rehydrating the tissue when it has been previously restricted.

Helps clear stagnation and congestion – stagnation leads to dysfunction and disease. Cupping can help limited movement of a joint and help with cellulite, which is stagnation of lymph fluids, which cannot manoeuvre around the congested adipose tissue that is stuck between the micro -adhesions of connective tissue.

Cups can rehydrate, lift and manipulate fascia – fascia is a form of connective tissue that encases all muscle tissue. Fascia restrictions can be tricky to release in manual therapies so using cups can help facilitate some great results. Cups can help mobilise areas that have become dehydrated by lifting structures and forcing hydration or fresh nutritious blood into the area.

Reduce pain – cups can alleviate pressure in soft tissue that, when restricted it can cause the nerve endings to become overactive, stuck in the state of pain alert. Cupping encourages tight muscles to relax and release the tension on the sensory organs involved.

Cupping promotes overall muscle health by encouraging blood flow within the muscles and extracts built up metabolic waste and lymph movement. Cupping lifts up and stretches tight muscles and relieves pressure on nerves causing pain and fascial adhesions are allowed to soften, creating movement. When a muscle is cupped and moved along the length of the muscle, it forces it to lengthen the tissues and purge the tissue of metabolic waste.

Cupping can speed up the recovery process by giving the process of general waste removal a boost. It can stimulate the lactic acid and other waste material to return into circulation and more oxygen into the muscle, promoting healthier muscle.  Cupping brings up the waste to the surface to the lymphatic system for disposal. Cupping can be amazing for athletes and people who go through repetitive motions on a daily basis, such as a hairdresser. Not only does cupping speed up recovery but it can potentially prevent the injuries from happening. It stops dehydration in the tissue, prevents adhesions from happening and keep the muscles and tissues moving the way they should through repetitive movements.

Where cupping therapy can be beneficial there are some reasons why cupping will not be effective or dangerous if used with certain conditions.

Global Contraindications - We will not offer cupping if you are affected by…

Compromised organ systems – cardiovascular disease, heart failure, kidney disease, renal failure, liver disease etc.

Current or high risk of blood clots, DVT (Deep vein thrombosis) or taking blood thinning or anticoagulant medication.

Severe or acute edema.

Uncontrolled asthma.

Cancer patients.

Time Related Contraindications - Contraindications that we can revisit…

DVT risk if you’ve had recent air travel in the last 2 weeks.

Pregnancy and up to 3 months post-partum.

During acute or flare up of inflammatory conditions – fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, IBS, crohn’s disease, lymes disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

Recent asthma attack.

Taking antibiotics.

Regional Contraindications - Areas to be avoided.

Lymphedema.

Lymph node biopsy and/or removal.

Skin rash/ irritation.

Post surgery – allow up to 6 months for therapy.

Varicose veins or spider veins.

Local Contraindications - Cupping not directly over any of these.

Recent cuts or burns – sun burn or kitchen cuts/burns.

Healing scars – allow 6+ months.

Skin tags or large moles.

Injection sites- from vaccines or insulin injections.

Ports or implant site – birth control, insulin port, pacemakers etc…

I have had great experiences with cupping therapy, from tight muscles and during rehab for my broken foot back in 2021. I frequently put cups on my quads, calves, arms and shoulders to keep me flexible and working efficiently.

Cupping my legs to relieve tension from calf muscles, quadricep and a little bit of hamstrings.