Skip to main content

Have you heard people talking about “getting cupped” and had no idea what they were saying? Do you remember wondering why Michael Phelps was covered in perfectly circular bruises during the 2016 Olympic Games? Cupping therapy has become commonplace in treatment for elite athletes and has been increasingly making its way into the physical therapy and fitness recovery arenas. At Strength and Recovery, we offer expert cupping in Mount Pleasant, SC.

What is Cupping?

Cupping originated as a treatment used in Traditional Eastern Medicine that involved using fire to create a suction between glass cups and the skin. Today dry cupping is done with plastic or silicon cups with manual suction created with a hand pump. The cups are placed along the area of pain or discomfort using suction. When the cups are left in one place it is considered “static cupping”. Some providers perform “dynamic cupping” meaning the client moves their body while the cups are on and “stripping” when the cups are moved along the skin while they are suctioned on.

How Does it Work?

Cupping is thought to provide benefits in two ways. One – suction from the cups increases the blood flow to the area the cup is on. Two – the suction separates the skin and fascia – a fibrous connective tissue that sits between the muscle and skin – from the muscle belly, relieving pain-causing adhesions.

What are the Benefits?

  • Increase blood flow
  • Relieve fascial adhesions
  • Decrease muscle tension
  • Eliminate toxins

Are There Different Types of Cupping?

Dry cupping is often performed by athletic trainers, physical therapists, recovery specialists, and others trained in western medicine for muscular complaints. However, providers trained in Traditional Eastern Medicine techniques like acupuncture, acupressure, and Gua Sha can do other types of cupping like wet cupping and fire cupping. While Strength & Recovery does not offer wet cupping, fire cupping is a common practice utilized by our acupuncturists and involves the traditional use of fire within a glass cup to create the suction effect. Traditional Eastern Medicine uses cupping to treat conditions beyond musculoskeletal issues including asthma, immune conditions, and high blood pressure.

Cupping is not for everyone but when used appropriately can benefit many conditions. From increasing blood flow to breaking up adhesions, decreasing muscle tension and eliminating toxins, a recovery specialist’s trained eye can place cups to alleviate pain and get you moving and feeling better faster! Dry cupping in Mount Pleasant, SC can be scheduled as an individual service with a recovery specialist while clients can be treated during a session with our acupuncturist with fire cupping. Book your appointment now or contact us to find what may be the best fit for you!