Cupping, What's Up With The Cup?

At Monarch PT & Performance, cupping is one of the tools we use to improve mobility and to decrease pain.

What is cupping? 

• Cupping, or myofascial decompression, is a soft tissue technique

• Cupping uses plastic or glass ups to decompress or lift the skin and underlying tissues

• Cupping originated in eastern medicine

• Today modern physical therapy uses it with a movement-based, evidence-informed approach

What cupping is doing/Benefits

• Cupping increases blood flow to the treated area

• Decompression from cupping can improve tissue mobility and movement

• Cupping provides positive sensory input to the nervous system which can support pain reduction

How I perform cupping

• Cupping is an active treatment, not a passive one

• I identify the target tissue and apply an appropriate dose of pressure (lymphatic tissue, superficial fascia, deep fascia, and intramuscular fascia all require different pressures)

• I move the cups rather than leaving them in one place

• I guide you through movement and exercise with the cups on

• I pair cupping with pain science education to help influence the nervous system and the brain’s interpretation of the treated area

• What I don’t do: I don’t place cups and leave them on statically while I do unrelated tasks

Is cupping safe for everyone?

No. Cupping is a very safe treatment when applied appropriately to the right person. There are precautions and contraindications, so it’s important to talk to a qualified provider to see if you’re a good candidate.

My Story With Cupping 

When I first started practicing in 2019, the evidence for cupping was limited. I had a more biomechanical approach and was skeptical, but I soon began using it because it was a tool that helped patients get better.

I’ve grown to take a bio-psycho-social, comprehensive, and East-meets-West approach. The research on cupping has improved, and through continuing education, my own literature review, and training in pain science, I’ve learned how cupping works, why it works, and how to apply it most effectively. The research and teaching of Dr. Christopher DaPrato were especially influential in shaping my understanding of best practices and the evidence supporting cupping.

As a provider, I always strive to grow with the evidence, challenge my beliefs, and seek to understand exactly what my treatments are doing and why. And it takes time and effort, but it makes me a much better PT.