Cupping Therapy

Cupping Therapy is a highly effective therapeutic technique utilized by many physical therapists in a variety of treatment situations.  

With cupping therapy, the therapist relies on negative pressure and distraction to separate fascial layers and pull the tissue instead of pushing.  Cupping therapy can be done while stationary or through movable/gliding techniques.  Cupping therapy may entail some after-effects, including erythema (redness), ecchymosis (purple coloration), edema (puffiness), or warmth.

In general, cupping therapy is not designed to be performed in isolation.  Rather, cupping therapy should be followed by therapeutic exercise, range of motion (ROM) exercise, functional activity training, posture training, or sports training.  If conducted in this holistic fashion, cupping therapy can provide a number of benefits, such as pain relief, improved mobility, release of scar tissue and fascial adhesions, circulation improvement, trigger point management, and relaxation.

Contact us and see one of our hightly trained physical therapists today to see if cupping therapy can help you.

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Author

Lila Crowson MPT Lila completed her Masters of Physical Therapy at LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans. She has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 2001 and currently oversees and manages a talented team of therapists and technicians at the Orthopedic Center.