Cupping is an ancient medicinal treatment that is used in a more modern form by our Myotherapists and Osteopaths at Body@Boronia.
Cupping helps stretch the muscle and connective tissue (fascia) away from the skeleton, aiming to improve the musculoskeletal system function. The technique can be used in conjunction with other Myotherapy techniques to improve the effect of a treatment.
Silicone vacuum cups are applied to your skin with a hand operated pump to remove the air from the cup. The skin and superficial muscle is raised slightly within the cup and held for the duration of 5-10 minutes.
The skin under the cups will redden as blood is drawn closer to your skin. The technique activates the lymphatic system by encouraging and increasing blood flow to the area. This relieves muscle and fascial tension.
Post treatment there will be some discolouration (see image) on the skin where cups attached to your body. These marks may present as redness or bruising and will fade over a few days.
After a treatment, some patients may feel light-headed or tired. This is normal as there is an improved blood flow in and around the congested tissue. We recommend drinking plenty of water (2 litres) to help flush toxins from your body.
Myotherapists and Osteopaths at Body@Boronia use a range of techniques when assessing and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction. Dry needling , electro-dry needling, cupping, and manual therapies such as massage are used to help relieve pain and improve movement and muscle tone.
Cupping may help patients with acute pain to improve range of motion. It may also help to decrease muscle tightness and give immediate pain relief to patients who cannot tolerate remedial massage techniques such as trigger point therapy.
