A really great addition to sports massage, particularly if there is stubborn tightness or limited mobility. It isn’t always the muscle tissue that binds up and reduces range of movement, it can also be the connective tissue of the fascia. The suction pull of the cup lifts the deeper fascia layers through and under the muscle, in order to stretch them out.
While it may look a little bit scary, it’s usually quite comfortable. It can be utilised static (still) which is a bit more likely to cause the bruising circles you might see, or can be used gliding along the body as with massage strokes. The bruising and colour change shows the therapist where there is poorer blood circulation in the tissues which can help to focus treatment where the body is showing it is most needed.
Training:
Sports Massage Therapy L3 (2024)
Sports Massage Therapy L4 (2024)
Cupping Therapy (Dry) CPD (2024)