How cupping works
Most massage pushes tissue down. Cupping does the opposite. Your therapist places cups on the skin and creates a vacuum, which gently pulls the tissue up into the cup. That lift helps separate layers of tissue that have become stuck, increases circulation to the area and can ease tightness that is hard to reach with pressure alone.
Cups can stay in one place for a few minutes (static cupping) or glide across the skin with a little oil (moving cupping), which works a lot like a reverse massage stroke.
What cupping can help with
Cupping is a versatile tool. Our clients most often use it for:
- Tight back, neck and shoulders
- Muscle soreness after hard training
- Nagging strains and overuse injuries
- Restricted fascia and stiffness
- Recovery during a competitive season
About the marks
Cupping often leaves round, red or purple marks where the cups were placed. They are not bruises from impact. They come from blood being drawn toward the surface, and they usually fade within a few days to a week. Marks are normal and are not a sign of how well the treatment worked. If you have an event or photo shoot coming up, let your therapist know and we will plan around it.
Cupping at Total Muscle Therapy
Cupping is one of many tools we use inside a sports, injury or deep tissue session. There is no separate charge: if your therapist thinks cupping will help, it is part of your session. If you have nagging injuries, cupping along with other massage techniques can help get you back faster.
Curious whether it is right for you? Mention it when you book or at the start of your session and your therapist will talk it through with you.
