Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a soft tissue treatment that uses small suction cups placed on the skin to gently lift and decompress the underlying muscles and connective tissue. This decompression increases blood flow to the area, helps release muscle tightness, and supports the body's natural healing process. Cupping has been used for centuries and is now widely used in modern rehabilitation settings as an effective tool for managing pain and improving movement. 

At MOTION, our physical therapists use cupping as part of a hands-on, personalized approach to care. When combined with exercise and other manual therapy techniques, cupping can be a helpful tool for reducing pain, loosening tight muscles, and helping you move and feel better. 

Conditions That May Benefit from Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy can be used to treat a variety of muscle and soft tissue complaints throughout the body, including: 

• Neck pain and upper back tightness 
• Low back pain and stiffness 
• Shoulder pain and limited mobility 
• Hip and glute tightness 
• IT band tightness and knee pain 
• Calf tightness and Achilles pain 
• Chronic muscle tension and trigger points 
• Sports-related muscle soreness and overuse injuries 

What to Expect During Cupping Treatment

During a cupping session, your physical therapist will place soft silicone or plastic cups on the skin over the area being treated. The cups create a gentle suction that lifts the tissue, rather than compressing it like traditional massage. Your physical therapist may keep the cups still or move them slowly across the skin, depending on what your body needs. Treatment is generally well tolerated, and many patients find it relieving. A few things to know before your first session: 

• Cupping is performed directly on the skin, so the treatment area will need to be accessible 
• Sessions are typically combined with other parts of your physical therapy treatment 
• It is common to experience temporary redness or circular marks on the skin after cupping. This is a normal response and typically fades within a few days 
• Your physical therapist will check in with you throughout treatment to ensure your comfort 

Feeling Better, Moving Better

Cupping therapy can improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and help the body recover from pain and injury. Many patients notice improvements in flexibility and a reduction in muscle soreness after just a few sessions. If you've been searching for cupping therapy near me, MOTION offers this treatment as part of a personalized plan of care, combined with exercise and other hands-on techniques to make sure you're getting the most out of every visit. Whether you're dealing with chronic tightness or muscle pain that keeps coming back, cupping therapy may be a helpful addition to your recovery.