Myofascial Cupping

Myofascial Cupping is a technique that uses negative pressure cups to treat the bodies fascial system. Fascia is a band of connective tissue that covers, attaches, stabilises and separates all of your body’s muscle groups and other internal organs. 

Cupping encourages healing by creating a negative pressure or suction on the skin using plastic or glass pods that pull up underlying tissues, blood, and other fluids close to the surface of the skin. By doing this it is able to stretch fascia and promote new fresh blood flow. This can speed up the healing process, increase flexibility and aid in performance.

This pressure reduction of the tissues can be a different stimulus to the tissues and the nervous system and for some people can be a relaxing way of treating tight or sore areas.  It is the opposite of many other forms of manual therapy that typically create a compressive force such as massage, use of massage tools, and compression bandages.

How long do you keep them on for?
Typically most Pods will be in place for only a few minutes at a time.  The lower body areas (low back and legs) are typically able to withstand longer application times.

Will they leave a bruise?
Occasionally a small circular bruise will be left where the Pod has been.  This occurs less in lower body regions and less often with the lighter suction pressure. Bruising is not typically an aim of treatment, but may occur more readily in people who bruise easily.  With this in mind we recommend shorter application times initially for these people to test their tolerance to treatment with the Pods. 

Will they stick to body hair?
The Pods generally stick well over body hair, but if the body part has very thick, coarse hair, then a small amount of massage cream will usually help create the desired level of suction.

Is it painful?

Cupping should not be painful for the patient however you may feel some altered pressure sensations when the pods are applied.

At the dance clinic we use cupping for treatment of a number of conditions including achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and general tightness. If you believe that cupping may be of benefit to you, book a consult with one of our dance podiatrists and they will be able to assist you with all your needs.