Myofascial cupping is one of my favourite tools to use during a remedial massage. I use them on most of my clients. If you come into the treatment room on the side you will see a tray full off these odd plastic things which have a blue nobble on the top and a funny looking gun! Clients who haven't had the myofascial cups during a treatment are often fascinated by them! The cups release those tight and aching muscles and fascia.
What is Myofascial Cupping?
Cupping is an ancient treatment which is believed to have originated from China.
There are two types of cups:
Glass cups used with a flame to the create suction. This method is generally used by traditional Chinese acupuncturists.
Plastic cups used with a suction gun which is often used by massage therapists.
Both method's work on the same principle of creating a vacuum to lift the soft tissue structures, drawing up the soft tissue, creating blood stasis and localized healing.
Cupping has been found to affect the body up to 4 inches into the tissue fibres, causing the tissues to (in theory) to release toxins and relax the area. The lymphatic system is activated and muscles and fascia are released, increasing your range of movement.
Cups can be left in situ or moved around to stretch and move the fascia and muscle.
It can benefit most people but should be avoided if you have:
DVT or varicose veins
Pregnant
Open wounds
Sensitive or fragile skin
Recent operation
Heart problems
Blood thinning medications
Cupping can be used to treat:
Upper and lower back issues
Muscle imbalances and tightness
Strains and sprains
Muscular pain
It can be used anywhere on the body
Treatment
The remedial treatment will start with the application of the oil or wax. All the muscles will be warmed up using various massage techniques, but it is also an ideal time for me to palpate, locating areas of tightness, finding those nasty adhesions (knots) or areas that could benefit from the cups. Any number of cups can be used at any one time, dependent on the area. Cups can be left on one area for up to 10 minutes dependent on the client’s sensitivity. Or cups can be moved around the fascia promoting flexibility within the tissues.
Cups passively stretch the myofascial tissue creating:
Increased range of movement
Increased blood flow
Reduction of localised inflammation
Breaks up congestion
Can aid recovery
Increases lymphatic drainage
When the cups are on many clients often feel the cups lifting the area that is being worked on.
Marking of the skin
As you can see from the pictures above, cupping causes redness where the blood vessels break down, this isn't bruising but the marks can stay for up to 7 or more days.
The treatment doesn't generally cause pain but can create the normal 'after-massage' tenderness (as with all remedial treatments we will be working to the pain scale to not only ensure quick recovery but making sure the treatment is comfortable. Remember the saying "No Pain, No Gain" is a myth!)
To book please pop over to the website www.beckytolputtmassagetherapy.co.uk
Look forward to seeing you soon
Becky