For a long time the jury has been out on the value of cupping. To this day, many scientists aren’t convinced. However recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of cupping for managing neuromuscular fatigue whilst others have shown moderate evidence to suggest that cupping may be beneficial for other musculoskeletal injuries such as neck pain, migraine, and osteoarthritis.
As the technique again becomes more popular there are certain to be more studies on the technique.
Cupping is a technique commonly used in Myotherapy and other related therapies. It involves placing suction cups, either made of plastic, glass or ceramic onto the skin which creates a vacuum sensation which stimulates a physiological response. The most obvious response is vasodilatation (the widening of blood vessels as a result of the relaxation of the blood vessel muscular walls) and circulation of the blood vessels under the skin. However, there are multiple theories and other researchers suggest that there are other Vascular, Neurological and hormonal responses that contribute to the therapeutic outcome.
Ultimately cupping promotes blood flow which is thought to have a number of therapeutic outcomes, such as reduced pain and muscle tension, reducing muscle fatigue and assisting with the bodies healing process. Instead of compressing the muscles and fascia we are separating and decompressing, think of it like thin layers of flaky pastry!
It can promote a faster recovery and prevent the buildup of any lactic acid and other metabolites in the muscles as this normally contributes to poorer performance during training and competition for the athletes. Not a good thing if you’re racing heats in the morning and have a finals race in the evening of the same day while potentially taking part in multiple races over a week.
Cupping is an ancient health treatment that was mostly used in the Middle Eastern and Asian countries, that can be used for a broad range of conditions. It is a form of alternative medicine that has been around for centuries. In modern times, cupping has re-emerged as a popular treatment technique that has become popular amongst many sports people.
The “bruises” on the skin are painless and are the natural presentation of the ruptured capillaries in the skin from vasodilation that leave redness behind after partaking in cupping therapy. These markings will fade over the course of 1 day to sometimes 1-2 weeks and are not associated with any ill effects.
If you’re curious about finding a new treatment technique to help you recover faster and train harder, check in with your Myotherapist to ask about the suitability of cupping for your care. And have no fear, the bruises don’t hurt at all! They do make quite the ice breaker statement!
About the author
After 15 years of international competitive Taekwondo, Adele has always been fascinated by how the human body functions and heals. Adele feels that analysing the main components of people’s everyday lifestyles and interests allows her to identify and provide specialised ways for a specific individual to help aid in strengthening, rehabilitating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Adele executes this through a “hands-on approach”, which includes trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping, myofascial release and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
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