Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is a soft-tissue treatment that uses suction cups placed on the skin to decompress underlying tissues, increase blood flow, and release myofascial restrictions.
Definition
Cupping therapy is a soft-tissue treatment that uses suction cups placed on the skin to decompress underlying tissues, increase blood flow, and release myofascial restrictions.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
In physical therapy, cupping is used as a myofascial decompression technique rather than in the traditional Chinese medicine context. Silicone or plastic cups create negative pressure that lifts the skin and superficial fascia, increasing local blood flow, promoting tissue healing, and releasing fascial adhesions. Cups can be stationary (left in place for 3-10 minutes) or dynamic (moved across the skin with a glide cream). Common applications include neck and upper back tension, IT band tightness, plantar fasciitis, hamstring strains, and post-surgical scar mobilization. The characteristic circular marks are caused by capillary dilation (not bruising) and fade within 3-7 days.
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about cupping therapy — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1What are the marks from cupping?
- 2Does cupping hurt?
- 3How long do cupping marks last?
- 4What does cupping therapy treat?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk explains that cupping marks are normal and temporary, and incorporates cupping into scheduled PT sessions.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cupping therapy.
Cupping therapy is a soft-tissue treatment that uses suction cups placed on the skin to decompress underlying tissues, increase blood flow, and release myofascial restrictions. In physical therapy, cupping is used as a myofascial decompression technique rather than in the traditional Chinese medicine context. Silicone or plastic cups create negative pressure that lifts the skin and superficial fascia, increasing local blood flow, promoting tissue healing, and releasing fascial adhesions.
Your physical therapy provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk explains that cupping marks are normal and temporary, and incorporates cupping into scheduled PT sessions.
Your physical therapy provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk explains that cupping marks are normal and temporary, and incorporates cupping into scheduled PT sessions.
Your physical therapy provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk explains that cupping marks are normal and temporary, and incorporates cupping into scheduled PT sessions.
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