Myofascial Cupping- A Physiotherapy Modality

Myofascial cupping (based on age old negative pressure therapy), is a physiotherapy modality utilising suction cups on the soft tissue or skin. In the application of the cups, the aim is to release and mobilize soft tissue structures (like scar tissue), to increase blood flow, and also to assist better flow of lymphatic fluid.

A physiotherapist may utilize cupping to:

Address sensitive tissue like bursa, fat pads and nerve bundles

          To release trigger points

To encourage the body’s natural pain management with the release on encephalins and other substances

          To reduce muscle spasm

          And to reduce tissue stiffness

With respect to contraindications for myofascial cupping use in clinic, these may include:

          Inflamed skin (rash)

          Active infection

          Open or slow healing wounds

          Overactive tumors

          New surgical site

          First trimester of pregnancy

          Clotting disorder

          Heart condition

To answer your cupping question- what’s with the bruising?

Dark marks left behind are usually rupture to small capillaries from the decompression or suction.

Redness is related to vasodilation (increase in the size of the veins) from increased blood flow.

Pitting or appearance of large pores after a session indicates thick deposits of a protein-rich substance under the skin being treated.

Marks and soreness may last days to a few weeks. The consideration of if a patient can tolerate the bruising can shape the overall positive effects of better electrical movement, improved fluid movement and blood flow, which can detoxify and encourage oxygen and healing nutrients (like opiods- natural painkillers) to the areas being treated.  This is seen as a controlled pain response.

There are different types of cup materials, sizes, shapes, and methods of application of myofascial cupping to the soft tissues.  The Physiotherapist then- depending on what the patient is presenting with- can vary the suction cup intensity and the duration of the cupping session. 

If you have any questions, or may want to try myofascial cupping for pain management, you can contact us at Physiocare Inc. to help you to decide.  Contacts are listed below.

Whatsapp 246-230-4819, Call 246-424-7845, www.physiocarebarbados.com for online booking