Orthopedic Massage Cupping with Medicupping

Orthopedic Cupping is a type of Massage Cupping that uses silicon or glass cups to create suction on the skin. This suction pulls up the skin and underlying fascia which increases circulation to muscles and joints. An increase in circulation draws fresh oxygenated blood to the area, along with stimulating lymphatic drainage which is the system our body uses to remove waste. This makes Cupping an excellent tool to help break up muscle adhesions (commonly referred to as “knots”), increase range of motion in joints and decrease tissue compression. It is also excellent at reducing scar tissue.

Cupping can be added to ANY massage. It’s also possible to schedule just a Cupping Massage. A Cupping Massage includes gliding strokes with cups along with keeping them static to release problem areas. Cupping Massage optionally includes facial cupping as well which uses small glass cups on the face to reduce swelling, clear sinus pressure and release the jaw. Facial cupping does not leave marks but can be omitted if the client prefers.


The Medicupping Machine

Our favorite tool for cupping is the Medicupping machine! This machine gives the therapist more control over the suction and offers a wider variety of cup sizes and pumping settings to help create a more specific treatment. It also leaves minimal marks on the skin depending on the suction used. It is widely revered as the vacuum machine of choice for cupping therapy. Come experience the difference with Medicupping!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why might I want a Cupping treatment?
    Cupping is an excellent compliment for treating the following conditions:

    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Tendonitis
    • Sciatica
    • Rotator cuff injuries and surgery recovery
    • Plantar Fasciitis
    • TMJ
    • Lymphatic Drainage
    • Chronic pain issues due to muscular tension
  • Is Cupping painful?
    The suction used in cupping can be catered to the sensitivities of each client. Massage and Orthopedic cupping is often used in conjunction with Deep Tissue massage and the majority of clients really enjoy the sensation. That said, Cupping can be added to any massage when appropriate and it can prove to be very beneficial and more gentle to those who do not like deep pressure but have certain spots that could use extra attention. Unlike Deep Tissue, which compresses muscle tissue, Cupping pulls the tissue up and most people find this to be more relaxing and enjoyable. Cupping can always be discontinued immediately if the client feels any pain or discomfort.
  • Will it leave a mark?
    cuppingmarksThe answer is “it depends”. There are two basic ways of performing Massage Cupping. One is to keep the cup moving, which usually does not leave a mark. The other is static cupping which may leave a mark depending on how easily you bruise and how tight the tissue is. Either or both types of Massage Cupping may be performed during your session depending on the issue being treated.

    Cupping marks are not bruises. Cupping draws blood to the surface of the skin which may leave a mark similar to a hickey. Marks tend to be darker on areas of the body that need Cupping most due to those areas not getting enough circulation. If you do experience any marks from cupping they will generally be gone in three to seven days.

    To the right is an extreme example of what day-old marks might look like. This was taken on someone who both bruises easily and who has chronic shoulder pain issues.

  • How does Massage Cupping differ from Cupping done in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cupping is used to balance Chi/Qi or “life force energy”. It’s believed that the cups remove stagnation from the body, thus allowing Qi to flow freely. It is used to treat conditions ranging from physical medical conditions like respiratory issues, arthritis, blood disorders and even cancer, to helping find psychological balance from depression and anxiety.

    Massage and Orthopedic Cupping focuses on the skeletal muscular system. The intension is to create space in the body by warming and stretching facia and muscle tissue while increasing circulation and lymph drainage. While additional benefits may be gained by Cupping, in a Massage setting that is not the intension of the Massage Therapist. Massage Cupping also often involves sliding the cups over the body, whereas in TCM Cupping Therapy the cups are generally left in one spot.

  • When shouldn’t I get cupping?

    Cupping is contraindicated in the following cases:

    • Over broken skin, acne or sunburned skin
    • Diabetes that is untreated or unstable
    • High or low blood pressure that is unstable
    • Liver or kidney illness
    • Cardiopathy
    • Hemophilia
    • Recent surgical incisions
    • Over areas of acute inflammation
    • For athletes cupping is contraindicated 4-6 hours pre-event