5 Myths About Cupping Therapy

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Do we still remember “cupping” or has the fad

of the Rio Olympic games faded already??

 

It was surely this year’s Olympic trend, just like

kinesiotaping was in London 4 years ago. Cupping therapy

is a form of “myofascial decompression”.  . . meaning  it is

just another method athletes use to support the body’s

healing process.

 

This isn’t the first time cupping therapy has hit the news.

Jennifer Aniston walked the red carpet several years ago

with cupping bruises on her back.  Before that, the

professional tennis player Andy Murray discussed in

television interviews how he used cupping to successfully

address a chronic back injury.

 

Before we talk about what cupping is. . . let’s bust 5 MYTHS

to learn what cupping is NOT.

 

Myth #1: Cupping is a new form of therapy.

 

This one is furthest from the truth.  Cupping was developed

thousands of years ago, although the techniques have been

modernized.

 

Myth #2: Cupping is dangerous.

 

Old techniques using fire or cuts in the skin had their

obvious dangers. However, current techniques using plastic

cups causing less bruises and don’t pose any serious side

effects when performed by a trained clinician.

 

Myth #3: There is no proof that cupping works.

 

This may be partially true in the scientific community

because it is impossible to perform a blinded study on

cupping.  However, there is strong anecdotal evidence

and thousands of years of reports that cupping is effective

when “traditional” methods do not seem to be working.

There is one strong study that found cupping significantly

reduced pain in people with low back issues.

 

Myth #4: Cupping only has superficial benefits.

 

The vacuum effect of cupping targets both the skin and

deeper tissues. It increases blood flow and expands

capillaries under the cups bringing oxygen to the underlying

tissues.  It increases the amount of fluid entering and leaving

the tissues to bring more nutrients to the area.

 

It has been found to relax tense muscles, relieve stiffness,

decrease muscle cramping, and increase mobility of scar tissue.

These physiological effects result in improved recovery and

decreased pain.

 

Myth #5: Cupping therapy is a stand alone treatment.

 

We believe that cupping is not enough.  It needs to be a part of

a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce pain and improve

function.  Stretching, corrective exercise, manual therapy, and

other modalities should all be considered by a qualified

healthcare provider.

 

So what is TRUE about cupping?

 

Cupping is a natural way to improve health, decrease pain, and

improve performance.  It’s just another tool in our tool box to

keep you active, mobile and pain free.

 

Dr. Matthew Kahre, physical therapist at Peak Potential, tells us

     “Therapeutic cupping is used in my physical therapy

practice as a soft tissue technique aimed at increasing

blood flow loosening tight/restricted muscles, and

promoting healing”.

 

Dr. Kahre has received specialized training to take this

traditional Chinese medicine practices and utilize it in recovery

for both the professional athlete and weekend warrior.

 

The most important thing you need to know. . .

find an experienced practitioner who is well trained in using

cupping tools, which will ensure you get the most benefit from

your sessions and aren’t at risk for injury.

 

In conclusion, cupping has withstood the test of time and will

continue to be utilized long after the buzz from the Rio Olympics

dies down.

 

Have more questions or want to try cupping for your self?

 

Call us today (901-316-5456) to speak to one of our physical

therapists trained in cupping. Or you can always request a call

from us HERE on our website.