Cupping for neck and back pain in Alpharetta, GA
What is Cupping?
Cupping has been used for centuries in the practice of Oriental Medicine (or Traditional Chinese Medicine) in order to treat all types of diseases. Today, cupping is widely accepted as a therapy tool in order to help manipulate soft tissue. Compared to traditional massage where a compressive force is used, cupping provides a distraction force, lifting the tissue from the body. The stretch achieved under the cups creates tension through the fascia underneath which leads to increased fibroblast activity. Fibroblasts are responsible for connective tissue healing, remodeling, and repair, and thus, reduces pain.
Fascial restrictions are known to cause increased muscle soreness, spasms, decreased flexibility, and reduced blood flow, slowing overall healing and recovery. Cupping can help people achieve improved blood flow and range of motion, even if they aren’t a particular fan of traditional massage. For the majority of patients, there is little to no bruising and any bruising that may occur is gone in a few days.
Should I receive cupping with a PT or massage therapist?
Cupping can be performed during any of our massages to further help the therapist gain traction and manipulate the fascia and soft tissue whether this is due to pain or tightness. You should schedule an appointment with a Physical Therapist if you are suffering from more chronic or severe pain and discuss if cupping would be a helpful treatment option.