Cupping
Treatment for Pain, Overall Wellness & Stress Management
Cupping Therapy at Integrated Physical Medicine
People all over the world have used cupping for thousands of years to ease back pain, neck pain, headaches and other problems. It has become incredibly popular in America ever since the Olympic swimmers, as well as other prominent pro athletes, were spotted cupping circle marks on their bodies. This tell-tale discoloration is due to broken blood vessels just beneath the skin. Cupping therapy involves creating a suction force to pull blood into a targeted area to stimulate the natural healing process.
Generally, the back is the most common area for cups to be used. Cups can be applied to the chest, abdomen, buttocks and legs. Athletes at every level now, from high school on up, are using cupping to increase blood flow and and reduce pain. However, the benefits of cupping are not limited to athletes by any means. Anyone in pain, headaches or many other problems may get relief from cupping too.
No referral necessary.
What Does Cupping Treat?
Cupping has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It may be particularly effective at easing conditions that create muscle aches and pains. A lot of our patients say it also helps with chronic (ongoing) health issues. Cupping done at IPM may ease symptoms of:
- Arthritis
- Back pain, neck pain, knee pain, elbow pain and shoulder pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Lumbar disc herniation
How Does Cupping Work?
Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin. By doing so, it sends more blood to the area to stimulate the natural healing process. Some people theorize that cupping clears the pores and releases toxins.
What To Expect
While there are different types of cupping, the doctors at IPM believe both dry and wet cupping can be a very effective technique for their patient’s needs. There are even different ways to perform cupping. The steps vary slightly depending on the chosen method. Some treatments involve briefly moving the cups to stretch and massage the area.
Which is right for you? Your practitioner, your medical needs, and your preferences will help determine which method is used. The first thing your chiropractor will do is ask you what symptoms you’ve been experiencing, likely taking a detailed health history.
During the Procedure
During a cupping treatment, one of our chiropractors will place at least one cup on your back, stomach, arms, legs or other part of your body. Depending on the treatment and the area targeted, multiple cups may be placed on your skin. Inside each cup, a vacuum or suction force pulls skin upward. This suction can last for several minutes and is not painful.
In some cases, cupping can be combined with massage, acupuncture, or other alternative therapies. Lotion can also be applied to the treated area and then the cups are slowly moved around the area, creating a massage-like effect.
With any cupping, the treatment is usually a ten to twenty minute time period.
After the Procedure
Once the procedure is done, the suction force from cupping will have opened tiny blood vessels under the skin. There’s no getting around it, you will have round, bruise-like marks.
How long will it take for cupping marks to disappear?
Any discoloration or marks from cupping usually go away within seven days of the session.
Is Cupping Right For You?
If you are in pain or are interested in finding out more, contact us to make an appointment to see if cupping is the right treatment for you. No referral necessary.