Have you noticed members around the gym looking like Michael Phelps at the 2016 Olympics with dark circles on their shoulders or back? These marks are a result of cupping therapy.
What is cupping therapy?
Dr. Ty explains cupping as a decompression of myofascia ( stuff that surrounds your muscles). If we consider a typical massage as the compression of fascia and muscle underneath the skin, cupping is essentially providing the opposite mechanism. The pressure vacuum underneath the cup pulls on the fascia to stimulate a relaxation response in the muscle being treated. This does break down the small capillaries in the skin underneath the cup, which does create the residual dark circles. Most report these bruises to be non-painful and fade within 2-3 days.
Who benefits from cupping therapy?
In short, anyone! Cupping is a great tool to help with issues such as low back discomfort or stiffness in the neck and shoulders. However, cupping is not exclusive to treatment of injuries. Dr. Ty uses cupping in Tune Up appointments with athletes to help stretch and relax muscles. Cupping can be incorporated with movement to help improve mobility with stiff movements (e.g. squatting or holding weight overhead). Cupping can also feel especially good after a long week of weightlifting and conditioning.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Dr. Ty offers cupping in his Tune Up and Prehab appointments in the PHYSIO office. To get scheduled send a quick email to [email protected]
Feel free to reach out with any questions. See you at the gym!
