Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a soft tissue technique that dates back to ancient Greece and is common practice in traditional Chinese medicine. 

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Cupping separates the underlying soft tissue (e.g. muscles, ligaments, tendons, scar tissue, etc.) by creating a vacuum. This technique breaks up scar tissue, increases circulation, and stimulates the healing process of damaged tissue.

 

Common areas effectively treated by cupping therapy include the shoulder, mid-back, neck, between the shoulder blades, and the calves. Only dry cupping therapy is performed at our practice. 

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A research study* published in 2016 reported significant decreases in chronic neck and shoulder pain after one session of cupping therapy. Patients reported 62% less neck pain and 69% less shoulder pain after one session. The control group, patients who did not receive cupping therapy, reported 2% and 7% less neck and shoulder pain, respectively. No adverse effects were reported. This study suggests that cupping therapy is a safe and beneficial technique. 

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*Lee-Mei Chi et al (2016) Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.