Myofascial Cupping and It’s Benefits
Myofascial Cupping
Whether or not you're a sports enthusiast, you've likely observed athletes arriving for their events with distinctive round purple or red marks on their back or shoulders. You may have wondered what could have caused these marks. The simple answer is that these marks are a result of myofascial cupping. This form of therapy has gained popularity in recent years especially amongst athletes. Below, we take a closer look at the therapy, its application and benefits.
What is Myofascial Cupping and How Does it Work?
Myofascial release cupping is a physical therapy applied to the soft tissues of the body. Decompressed cups are placed on the skin. These cups create a vacuum effect resulting in the soft tissues including the fascia (the connective tissue), the muscles and other tissues close to the surface of the skin being lifted up into the cup.
With that understanding of what the therapy is, we can now delve into how does cupping work. During the therapy session, massage techniques are first applied to identify areas of muscular restriction and tension. Massage cupping techniques are then applied by attaching the cups and moving them over the surface of the skin where the areas of tension and tightness have been found. The cups may also be left on areas for short periods to eliminate trigger points or adhesions.
Why Does Myofascial Cupping Produce Those Round Marks and What are the Associated Benefits?
Suction of the cups used during the therapy creates negative pressure that causes dilatation as well as capillary rupture. This is what causes the round bruising.
Suction of the cup creates negative pressure that causes dilatation as well as capillary rupture. This is what causes the round bruising. Cupping stimulates inhibitory neural pathways, encourages blood circulation, alters pain thresholds, increases tissue temperature and relieves swelling. Studies have also shown that it can help to relieve chronic pain and therefore improve patients’ quality of life.
The Benefits of Myofascial Cupping
You may be wondering ‘does cupping work? Here, explore some of the many cupping benefits. Myofascial Cupping Has Many Therapeutic Benefits Which Include:
Offering an effective way to stretch soft tissue passively
Improving blood circulation and drawing blood from deep tissue to the superficial tissue.
Causing the body to become more relaxed by reducing sympathetic nerve response and increasing parasympathetic nerve response.
Increasing the temperature of soft tissue
Reducing adhesion and tension in soft tissues
Preventing scarring or fibrosis by aligning collagen correctly and reducing localized inflammation.
Draining cellular debris from injury sites by encouraging the draining of lymph
Separating the layers of connective tissue and increasing hydration to the tissues
Increasing flexibility and movement in the joints
Encouraging the movement of lactic acid and metabolic waste.
Contraindications for Myofascial Cupping
Cupping offers many benefits. However, you may be wondering is cupping good for you? There are several situations where this type of therapy should not be applied. These include for patients who have:
Suffered a fracture
Malignant tumors
Extreme flus or colds
Acute musculoskeletal injuries
Herniated and bulging discs
Low blood pressure as well as other acute circulatory conditions including diabetes
Acute diseases
High temperatures
Aneurysm
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Hematoma
Infection diseases
Hypersensitive skin
Try Myofascial Cupping Therapy in Bellevue
Want to experience the many benefits of cupping? Are you wondering whether this type of therapy is right for you? You can learn more about this therapy, its benefits and whether it can help you by scheduling consultation with our physical therapist. Higher Health Spine and Sports provides myofascial cupping therapy in Bellevue designed to help improve the quality of life of our clients. Get in touch with us now to schedule your consultation.