Cupping Therapy
Myofascial cupping or cupping therapy is a technique commonly used by our Melbourne Myotherapists and have the treatment option readily available for you and your musculoskeletal complaints.
In your initial consultation our Myotherapist will be able to help assess you and decide if Cupping is an appropriate treatment technique for you.
What is cupping and how is it done?
Cupping (which is also known as Myofascial Cupping) is a technique used to reduce muscle tension and adhesions; to lift and stretch the connective tissue; and to increase blood flow to the muscles and tissue. There are two main ways of applying the cups. The first way and most well-known is called Static Cupping. For this, the cups are suctioned to the skin along the area that we want to treat and are left in place for a period of 10-20 minutes.
The second method is called Dynamic or slide cupping. Where we the cup is suctioned to the skin and moved along the area that we want to treat, gently lifting and stretching the tissue. In both techniques, we use either silicone, plastic or glass cups.
Cupping Marks
After a treatment where static cupping has been applied, you will notice circular bruise like colouration on your skin and this is referred to as marking. It is a normal part of the process and nothing to worry about. It occurs because the suction created by the cup is drawing more blood to the affected area. While there may be some tenderness after a treatment it will ease quickly, and the marks will fade within a couple of days to a week depending on the person.
When slide cupping is used, it is much less likely to leave marking on the skin. This is because the cup is continually being moved. During the treatment it will draw more blood to the surface of the skin and will cause the skin to redden. But this fades away very quickly, usually within the day of treatment, unlike the static cupping marks.
Is Cupping suitable for me?
Cupping can be particularly beneficial in cases of high sensitivity or significant pain, as rather than pushing down on the tissue, like in massage, we are using suction to pull the skin up. Your therapist may also recommend using cupping if they feel a lot of tension and restriction in your muscles and fascia. Helping to lengthen the muscles, giving more mobility and range of motion.
Like any treatment, there are some contraindications that we must look out for before applying cupping. As it increases blood flow it may not be suitable for people who are taking blood thinning medications or who are susceptible to blood clots. You should also be cautious after long flights and international travel due to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). Your therapist will ask you about your health history and recent travel before agreeing on a suitable treatment for you.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Myotherapy & Cupping
Other specific Conditions cupping can help
Many of our clients and athletes use Cupping Therapy as a part of their recovery regime to help speed up muscle recovery and reduce risk of injury.
If you have used Cupping techniques before and like the results, let your Therapist know and they can include it in your treatment regime.
Massage Therapy | Cupping Massage Therapy | Remedial Massage
Massage Therapy is here to provide relief, reduce stress and anxiety, help with pain, relax your muscles and rehabilitate injuries.
We will tailor a specific treatment depending on your situation and needs, which can include cupping therapy and a combination of treatments and techniques.