How Cupping Therapy Can Help With Pain Management

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice rooted in traditional Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern medicine. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and facilitates healing. This technique can be used in physical therapy as a complementary treatment in your pain management plan.

Understanding cupping therapy

Cupping therapy, also known as myofascial decompression, involves using glass, bamboo, silicone, or plastic cups placed on the skin to create a vacuum. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues into the cup, increasing blood circulation to the affected area. There are different methods of cupping, including dry and wet cupping.

Dry cupping
The physical therapist places cups on the patient's skin using their hands, a pump, or a flame for 5 to 10 minutes. It may be combined with a massage session, known as massage cupping or running cupping.

Wet cupping
In this method, a small incision is made in the skin before the cups are applied to draw out a small amount of blood. The physical therapist may leave the cups in place for 10-15 minutes.

How cupping therapy works

Increasing blood circulation is one of the primary mechanisms of cupping therapy for pain management. When the skin is drawn into the cup, it stimulates blood flow to the area, which can help reduce muscle tension and promote healing. Increased circulation can also help remove toxins and waste products from the body, further alleviating the patient's pain.

Additionally, cupping therapy can help activate the immune system, reducing inflammation and enhancing the body's natural healing processes. It can also stimulate the nervous system, releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

Benefits of cupping therapy for pain management

Relieves muscle pain and tension

Cupping therapy is particularly effective for treating muscle pain and tension. The increased blood flow to the muscles can help relax them, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain.

Reduces inflammation

Cupping therapy helps the body reduce inflammation. The vacuum-like suction from the cups creates micro-trauma in the applied areas. This allows the patient's body to release various chemicals, fibroblasts, and white blood cells to the affected area, stimulating the healing process.

Increases blood flow

Cupping helps increase blood circulation near the area where the physical therapist places the cups. This helps soothe muscle tension, which improves overall blood flow and boosts cell repair. It can also help build new connective tissues and produce new blood vessels.

What to expect during a cupping therapy session

During a cupping therapy session, the physical therapist will place the cups on specific areas of the body, depending on the location of the pain and the method used. The most common areas include:

• Back
• Chest
• Stomach
• Buttocks

Like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, burns, or bruising when the cups are applied. However, these side effects are usually temporary and fade in about 1-10 days.

Learn more about our pain management services

Cupping therapy offers a natural and holistic approach to pain management. Orange County Physical Therapy OCPT offers cupping therapy and other pain management treatments in the Newport Beach area. Call our office to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://ocptclinic.com or call Orange County Physical Therapy OCPT at (949) 299-0297 for an appointment in our Newport Beach office.

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