Another type of soft tissue manual therapy I will discuss is cupping.
Cupping has been around for thousands of years in ancient Egypt, China, and middle Eastern countries. In that version of cupping, glass cups are more commonly used and a lit substance under the cup to induce the suction of the skin.
It was used for different purposes including pain, inflammation, blood flow and even deep tissue massage. Today, PT’s will use it for the same reasons but mostly pain and muscle tightness.
Cupping Research
The research for cupping is not as prominent as other types of manual therapy, however the research has shown that cupping works well for different types of musculoskeletal pain. See the study here!
Types of pain
- back pain
- headaches
- neck pain
- arthritis
- Pain in other joints or muscles throughout the body
Cupping can also be used for other ailments including High blood pressure, Diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, and skin conditions. These ailments are helped with increasing blood flow which is a product of cupping to the body.
How Cupping is Performed
For my patients, I will start with regular Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) to the painful area (check out my STM blog post here). This will allow me to feel for the tightest areas and where I will apply the cups.
Once the areas are pinpointed, I will apply the cup to the area with the manual pump. Pumping 2-4 times depending on the area and amount of tissue.
It is recommended in the study above; the cups not be left on for more than 5-10 minutes. I will usually not go more than 5 minutes.
What I am looking for is the redness or increased Blood flow to the skin.
Side Effects of Cupping
The only major side effect I have experienced with my patients is bruising. These bruises will last up to 10 days. The severity of the bruises depends on the tightness of the tissues in that area.
In my experience most of my patients love the cupping because it does help with the tightness of the muscles and decrease their residual pain.
It is also a good alternative for those who I do not perform Dry needling on. For example, teenagers or those afraid of needles. Or even in the example of my husband, someone allergic to metal and the needle is more irritating to the area than helpful.
Another type of soft tissue manual therapy is cupping and next week I will continue with the STM series.