Cupping… What’s The Scoop?
In a previous blog about cupping we described what cupping is and what some of the side effects of cupping can be. The short description is that cupping in our clinic involves using hard plastic cups and a pneumatic pump that gently pulls the skin/tissue up into the base of the cup creating a suction effect on the skin. The cup stays in place on the skin with tissue below pulled up into the cup to allow increased circulation between the layers of the tissue.
Getting a massage can increase circulation to tight muscular tissue, right? Yes, and so can cupping! They work in different ways because while massaging the tissue the therapist is compressing the layers of tissue to initially decrease blood flow and also causing a rebound increase in blood flow to the area. During cupping, the tissue is “lifted” away to open the space and allow immediate increase in blood flow and lymphatic drainage to that are. Many massage therapists offer cupping as an additional tool during their massages, as they are working toward common goals in a different way!
On the flip side, we can agree that while many LOVE getting a massage, not all people enjoy being touched by another person nor does everyone respond positively to massage. Cupping is a great alternative for these individuals and can accomplish similar goals to massage.
At Shift, cupping is used during some of our physical therapy sessions but you don’t have to be a PT patient to experience the benefits of cupping. We also offer wellness cupping sessions as a separate service of its own. We want to be clear though, when participating in the wellness cupping service, we are not specifically treating a condition (like in a physical therapy plan of care). Wellness cupping sessions are great for people who have general tightness or tension in muscle groups. For example, many will book a cupping session because they work at a computer for the majority of their day and experience upper back tightness. Not everyone has an hour to give to going to get a massage, so they pop in for a 15 minute “SELF CARE” session of cupping. It feels so good!
Wellness cupping sessions can be scheduled in 15 minute, 30 minute, or 45 minute increments depending on how many areas we will be working with! If you are interested in experiencing a wellness cupping session at Shift, give us a call.
Co-Written by: Jackie Giese and Renee Hancock, Wellness Gals!
