Among modern treatments for serious athletes and non-athletes alike, a technique that dates back almost 4,000 years has proven popular and effective—cupping therapy! At Baltimore Sports Recovery, we offer professional cupping services and other sports therapy massages in Carroll County, MD. We can have you up and playing at peak performance again in no time.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy originated from the cradle of civilization in Egypt or Persia, and it gained massive popularity in Arabic and Chinese cultures.
The practice works by creating a vacuum that draws your skin into a cup. The vacuum draws extra blood to the area, as well as breaks capillaries at the skin’s surface. This microtrauma, also known as a cupping bruise, promotes healing factors in the area, which encourages muscles and tissues to regenerate.
Modern research shows that cupping significantly increases circulation up to six inches from the original cup location. Since cupping also pulls metabolic waste to the surface of the skin, this increased circulation can help clear lactic acid that causes muscle pain and fatigue. The extra blood flow also draws in fresh nutrients and oxygen to the cells, promoting healing and regeneration.
Uses of Cupping Therapy
Historical uses of cupping include the treatment of colds and flu, digestive issues, and allergies. In modern times, cupping is restricted to treating musculoskeletal pain. It’s especially effective at treating lower back, shoulder, and neck pain, but it can help any large, flat muscle group, as well as tendons.
Many athletes use cupping to relieve IT band tendon pain and to help alleviate the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping presents both an alternative and a complement to traditional massage. It assists in lymph drainage and lifts connective tissue while also promoting myofascial release that would otherwise require deep tissue massage.
The other major benefit of cupping therapy is that it feels great. Many of our clients report feeling warm, relaxed, and calm for up to several days after treatment–many more return for extra sessions simply because they enjoy the feeling so much.
What to Expect During a Session
When you arrive for your cupping session, we’ll start by identifying your needs and deciding whether cupping is a suitable option. We want to fully understand your condition so that we can design a cupping treatment that works for you.
If you decide to proceed, we’ll place a sterile cup on the treatment area and produce a vacuum. Traditional cupping methods called for fire, but we use suction pumps.
The vacuum in the cup creates a suction effect that draws the skin into the cup. As the underlying tissues also get sucked up, the body increases circulation to the area.
The amount of suction used will depend on your particular needs. We often combine cupping services with a light massage to provide either a sedating or stimulating effect.
Cupping has a deep impact on the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes a feeling of relaxation. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep on the table. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed.
In general, cupping services take around half an hour to an hour to complete.
Learn How Cupping Therapy Might Benefit You
If you’re interested in cupping therapy, why not give us a call? We offer specialized services for athletes and non-athletes alike in Carroll County, and we’re here to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking for pain relief or something to up your game, we offer a variety of services ranging from deep tissue massage to cupping and red-light therapy.
Give Baltimore Sports Recovery a call today at 443-455-1984, and we’ll design a therapy plan tailored to your needs!