Cupping Therapy

An Ancient Technique, Modern Recognition

Cupping gained a lot of publicity when Michael Phelps showed up to swim with large purple circles all over his back. These are "cup marks," and they are made using suction.

Applying suction to a muscle acts as a myofascial release technique — kind of a reverse massage. It allows us to pull the connective tissue layer away from the muscle layer, which stops pain from traveling. When we can isolate the pain to one specific area instead of treating numerous areas that it is referring to via the connective tissue, we can treat it more easily.

Cupping can feel a little pinchy at first, but most people enjoy the sensation it brings and the pain relief it provides once the cups have been removed. And yes, sometimes it can leave dark purple circles similar to Michael Phelps, but more often it causes a more mild discoloration.