Like other forms of medical care, physical therapy has evolved over the years. People now enjoy access to more effective treatments than ever before. That said, some ancient medical treatment practices still remain highly effective and popular. One of these treatments is called cupping. You can use this medical treatment method alongside modern physical therapy services to improve outcomes.

Cupping uses suction and negative pressure to draw up your skin and tissue. This can relieve strain and pressure and can also loosen tissues. Cupping can also stimulate blood flow, which provides many different benefits in regard to physical therapy. We’ll take a closer look at the benefits below. However, let’s take a look at the history of this practice first.

The Origins of Cupping

It's believed that cupping originated in ancient China. That said, it was also used by other ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Egyptians. The treatment likely spread so far because it is effective for addressing a variety of issues and can help improve other types of treatment.

The Chinese believed that cupping would influence the body’s “chi” or energy. This, in turn, would spur healing and improved health. Acupuncture, another ancient form of medicine, was also believed to positively influence chi.

Many modern medical professionals have deemphasized chi energy. However, acupuncture and cupping, among other ancient treatments, still provide various health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the physical benefits associated with cupping and physical therapy services.

How Suction and Negative Pressure Can Benefit Your Body

Cupping relies on suction. This can be done through different methods, including mechanical pumps and using quick-burning materials. The suction will pull your tissues into the cup. Negative pressure can also be used to draw in tissue.

The cup is placed on your skin and then suction and negative pressure are used to lift up your tissues. Cups are often made out of glass, but other materials, including silicon and bamboo, can be used. It’s important that the cups are clean and in good condition to reduce the risk of any complications or subpar treatment.

As the tissue is pulled up, the tissues will be relaxed and loosened. Cupping is especially effective for loosening fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. Simply loosening muscles can result in pain relief as muscle tension is a common source of pain. The physical benefits of cupping go further, however.

By loosening muscles and drawing up specific tissues, cupping can increase blood flow. Good blood flow can stimulate healing and help ensure that tissues have ample oxygen, nutrients, and more. Further, good blood flow can deliver pain relief hormones. This can help you resolve pain without needing to rely on pain medications.

How Cupping Can Relieve Back Pain

Cupping is especially popular for treating back pain. Often, back pain is caused by strained muscles. Cupping can relieve tension, and by engaging the body’s natural healing processes and stimulating blood flow, it may be possible to secure lasting pain relief. Pain medications, on the other hand, often provide only temporary relief.

Cupping also produces very light circular bruising. Typically, patients won’t feel any pain and the light bruising can actually stimulate healing and encourage healthy blood flow. This can also help with back pain.

Ultimately, back pain can lower your quality of life, encourage you to skip fun activities, and may result in you having to take time off work. Roughly, half of working-age Americans experience back pain each year, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Fortunately, cupping and physical therapy services can provide relief.

It is important to work with trained professionals who know how to perform cupping safely and how to minimize risks. With essentially any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications and adverse outcomes. Don't hesitate to ask questions to ensure the team you're interested in has the experience and credentials you're looking for.

Cupping performed by a trained physical therapy services professional is quite safe. The risk of complications is minimal. Cupping performed at home or by someone who hasn’t been properly trained, on the other hand, can result in many risks and issues, which could ultimately complicate your physical therapy treatment. Get in touch with our team at Onofray Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment with an experienced team.