What the Cup!!

Over the last 10 years, I have been using massage cupping and Myofascial Decompression (MFD). First on myself and my family and then within my practice. I have seen wonderful outcomes and great benefits for a range of clients from athletes to post-op recovery and just for improving a range of body aches and pains. 

I am certified in 3 modalities of cupping: MFD Level 1, VacuTherapies and silicon massage cupping. I taught silicon cupping for CEs to massage therapists in NC as well as developed a self care cupping class so clients would be empowered to continue their journey to better health and not solely dependent on a therapist. 

What is cupping?

Cupping and MFD use negative pressure forces on suction cups to create lifting and separation of the tissues. This creates space within the tissue layers for improved blood flow, breaks up adhesions and restrictions while hydrating the cells.

We have many layers of tissue, including skin, fascia, muscle, etc., that should move fluidly but due to injury, inflammation, scarring or simple over use over time,
 the tissues can become thickened and less mobile.  

Unlike other forms of manual therapy (massage, myofascial release, IASTM, joint mobilizations) that are compressive in nature, cupping and MFD are decompressive. Decompression lifts and separates compressed tissue to release tight tissues, improves trigger points, promotes immediate improvement in blood flow and nutrient exchange while creating a change to the neuromuscular system which allows for temporary pain relief.

Cupping is now used to treat many different issues in the tissues. Today, you can find physical therapists using various methods of cupping for women’s health such as C-section scars, mastectomy scars and reconstruction prep as well as pre-op and post-op recovery. Cupping is highly effective in softening, lifting and separating the layers of scar tissue while preventing it from adhering to deeper layers of the body. New moms are not usually instructed on how to care for or massage C-section scars. In fact, most women are afraid to touch their scars and usually never even touch their bellies, let alone the scar itself.  Mobilization of the scar tissue is crucial in recovering from Cesarean birth, mastectomy surgery or even the injection site from IVF prep. Cupping is usually done over the course of several sessions in order to restore normal tissue mobility

All variations of cupping and MFD can be done on almost all areas of the body, but is most commonly used on the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hips, knees (great for post surgery), legs and feet in addition to scars from injuries or surgeries.