Cupping Therapy: Relief for Tight Muscles

If you’ve ever seen someone walking around with big, round marks on their back, legs, or arms and wondered how they ended up in a wrestling match with a giant squid, you’re looking at the results of cupping! While it might look intimidating at first, cupping is actually a gentle, natural modality that’s been around for thousands of years. If you have have that one muscle knot that is always causing pain, cupping therapy for relief of tight muscles may be the key in finding deep relief! Cupping therapy relieves pain, releases muscle tension, and promotes blood flow. At our clinic, we love incorporating cupping for very targeted relief for trigger points in the muscles. Our licensed massage therapists may utilize cupping during your therapeutic massage in order to combine the relaxing benefits of massage with deeper relief for sore, tight muscles. Dr. Kershner may also recommend adding on cupping after your chiropractic adjustment to release a point of tension or muscle spasm.
So, what exactly is cupping, and is it right for you?

What is Cupping Therapy?

During a massage or a muscle work session with your chiropractor, different sized cups are placed on your skin to create suction. This suction helps lift the muscles and tissues beneath the skin, increasing blood flow to the area and releasing tightness. It’s like a reverse massage, rather than pressing into the muscles, the cups gently pull them upward.

We may use silicone, plastic, or glass cups. Each type of cup has a different effect and benefit. The softer cups can be moved around while maintaining suction on the skin. This provides the option to glide the cup along the muscle between its connection points, called the origin and insertion. It could also be used to glide across a broader area in order to address the sheet of fascia that lies under the skin and can cause widespread tension in the body. The harder glass or plastic cups will be applied in specific areas to target a pinpoint location of pain or muscle spasm. They stay in the same spot for a few minutes in order to concentrate the blood flow to that area. This is when they will leave a mark! The process is very safe when performed by a trained provider. Every session is tailored to your comfort level, whether you want a gentle experience or deeper relief.

Benefits of Cupping for Tight Muscles

People come to us for cupping for all kinds of reasons. Some of the top benefits include:

• Muscle pain relief- Cupping helps relax knots and reduce soreness, especially for athletes or people with chronic tension
• Improved Circulation- The increased blood flow supports faster healing and reduced inflammation
• Stress relief- Just like massage, cupping has a deeply calming effect on both body and mind
• Detox support- Many patients report feeling “lighter” after cupping because it encourages lymphatic drainage
• Better mobility- Looser muscles and improved blood flow can make it easier to move without stiffness or discomfort

Does Cupping Hurt?

Although cupping therapy may leave bruise-like circles, they are not technically bruises (or the work of a giant squid). The round cup-marks left behind are simply where the cups increased circulation under the skin. They’re painless, fade within a few days. These circular spots of discoloration are actually a sign that your body is responding well to the treatment. As this area improves, the marks should fade more quickly after each session.

What to Expect During Cupping Therapy

We offer two options to receive cupping therapy at our office. 

You can request cupping during your massage appointment. Whether you book a 30 minute Therapeutic Massage, 60 minute Therapeutic Massage or 90 minute Therapeutic Massage you can request to have cupping added at no extra charge during the massage appointment. We’ll talk about your goals and focus areas. The cups will be applied for a few minutes at a time, and adjusted to the point of pressure that is right for you. Most patients find the experience relaxing, many even drift off to sleep! We combine cupping with massage therapy for the ultimate stress and pain relief session.

You can also ask Dr. K about cupping the next time you are in for your chiropractic adjustment! You do not have to schedule a separate appointment, it can be added onto your chiropractic visit that day. It is just $15 more for Dr. Kershner to add targeted muscle release through cupping therapy to your next adjustment!

Ready to Try Cupping for Relieving Muscle Tension?

Whether you’re dealing with sore muscles, chronic pain, or just want to try something new for self-care, cupping therapy relief for tight muscles could be exactly what your body needs. Book a visit today and experience the benefits for yourself!