A Unique Approach to Pain Management
Have you recently been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis and are looking for ways to manage your symptoms? You might want to consider cupping, an ancient healing technique gaining popularity in the 21st century.
Cupping involves using small cups to create a suction force upon your skin. This process promotes blood flow to the affected area, which can soothe pain and facilitate healing in the muscles.
At Physical Therapy by Phoenix, our hand therapists utilize cupping in Springfield, MO to address pain in your upper extremities: your shoulders, arms, wrist, and hands. Curious to learn more? Contact our clinic today!
What Conditions Can Cupping Help Treat?
People often turn to cupping to relieve pain, ease muscle tension, and manage chronic health conditions. It’s also widely used by athletes to support recovery after intense training or competition.
Cupping can be beneficial for a range of musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions throughout the body, including:
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause muscle pain and stiffness around affected joints. Cupping may help relieve muscular tension and promote circulation to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
- Muscle Strains and Tightness: Cupping can ease soreness and tightness caused by overuse, repetitive activity, or postural strain, helping restore flexibility and motion.
- Back and Neck Pain: Many patients find cupping helps reduce tension in the back, shoulders, and neck, making it easier to move and maintain better posture.
- Nerve Compression Conditions: Cupping may support relief from conditions involving nerve irritation or entrapment by improving soft tissue mobility and blood flow.
- Sports Recovery: Athletes often use cupping to promote faster muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and prepare their bodies for upcoming activity.
What To Expect During Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a simple, safe, and noninvasive treatment method. During a cupping session, you’ll relax on a table or chair as one of our therapists places the cups on the skin of the affected area. We’ll then suction the air out of the cup, creating a suction effect that draws your skin up into the cup.
We’ll keep the cups on your skin for a set period (usually 5-15 minutes), then remove them. You’ll notice round, red marks on your skin: this is completely normal! The negative pressure created by the suction pulls capillaries (the tiny blood vessels near the skin’s surface) into the cup. This causes a rupture in these small vessels, leading to a minor version of what happens when you get a bruise. They should fade within a week or so. The suction and resulting “marks” from cupping are a sign of increased circulation and localized inflammation, which can actually help your body heal.
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or muscle tension, cupping therapy at Physical Therapy by Phoenix can help you move more comfortably and recover faster. Request an appointment today to begin your path toward better mobility and relief.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!