Sign In

Westside Massage Therapy

Myofascial Cupping

 

What is Myofascial Cupping?

Myofascial cupping dates back to early Egyptian and Chinese medical practices. It is a technique that uses glass, plastic, or silicone cups to create a vacuum suction on a person's skin to pull up connective tissue (fascia) and bring increased blood flow to an area. Our clinic uses plastic cups with a suction gun.

Cupping can be used to treat chronic or sub-acute musculoskeletal dysfunction, correct movement patterns that may be caused by pain or tightness, improve lymph flow, and aid in the realignment of scar tissue. Typically cups are applied to the shoulders, back, sacrum, hips, thighs, calves, or upper arms.

What can I expect from my cupping treatment?

Myofascial cupping is a combination of massage techniques and negative pressure (vacuum suction) to lift, separate, and stretch underlying soft tissues. Cups may be left stationary to decrease adhesions or trigger points, or they may be moved in a gliding motion after lotion has been applied to help decrease tension across fascial planes. As few as one cup may be used, or as many as six, depending on the body part being worked. Some clients experience a pinching sensation when the cups are placed or moved; this pressure can be adjusted so remember to talk with your therapist about an appropriate pressure.

I've heard that people get bad bruising with Myofascial Cupping. Is this true?

It is possible for bruising to occur with cupping treatments due to the increase in blood flow the cups bring to the area. Some areas of the body bruise easier than others, the shoulders and back for example, while others, like the legs, are able to take more pressure. Some people are more prone to bruising than others, which can cause bruising to show up easier. The longer a cup is left stationary on the body the higher likelihood of darker bruising occurring; discuss with your therapist if you want to avoid dark bruising.

Myofascial Cupping benefits include:                                                                   Myofascial Cupping is not recommended for:

- Increased blood flow                                                                                                 - Sensitive skin

- Increased range of motion                                                                                        - History of blood clots

- Increased fascia mobility                                                                                           - Clients with low blood pressure

- Less pain and tension                                                                                                - Recent injuries or wounds

- Softening of scar tissues                                                                                            - Acute rheumatoid arthritis

 

Myofascial Cupping only offered by Dayle Elise Haye