Restore Movement​

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy session in progress at Move Origin, targeting muscle recovery.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world, including China, India,
Greece, and the Middle East. It involves creating suction (decompression) on the skin using a cup.
Vacuum is created in the cup either by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin.

What are the benefits of Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy application on a client’s back to facilitate muscle recovery at Move Origin.

Our Approach

We have a holistic approach to getting you back on your feet. At Move Origin, our goal is for each patient's treatment plan not only includes restoring range-of motion and stability but also building strength so they can be as active with their new lifestyle!

The Power of Cupping Therapy Massage

Are you searching for a natural way to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and boost your overall well-being? At Move Origin, our cupping therapy massage combines time-honored healing with modern massage techniques to help you feel your best. Whether you’re new to cupping or looking to enhance your wellness routine, our professional therapists are here to guide you every step of the way.

What Is Cupping Therapy Treatment?

Cupping therapy treatment is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures, including traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine. The treatment involves placing special cups—made of glass, silicone, or plastic—on your skin to create gentle suction. This suction draws the skin and underlying tissue into the cup, helping to increase blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and promote healing. At Move Origin, we use both traditional and modern cupping methods, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience tailored to your needs. Each session is designed to address your specific concerns, whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle stiffness, or simply seeking relaxation.

How Does Cupping Massage Work?

Cupping massage is a unique technique that blends the benefits of cupping with those of therapeutic massage. During your session, your therapist may use static cupping (where cups remain in one place) or dynamic cupping (where cups are gently moved across your skin). The suction created by the cups helps to:
  • Release muscle knots and tension: The negative pressure created by the cups lifts and stretches the underlying tissues, making it easier to break up adhesions and relax tight muscles.
  • Boost circulation: Increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the area, supporting faster healing and reducing inflammation.
  • Encourage lymphatic drainage: Cupping helps move lymph fluid, which can reduce swelling and remove toxins from your body.
When combined with hands-on massage, cupping can enhance the overall effectiveness of your treatment, providing deeper relief and relaxation.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy and Massage

Many people turn to cupping therapy and massage for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common benefits include:
  • Pain Relief: Cupping is known for its ability to ease muscle and joint pain, making it popular among athletes, active individuals, and those with chronic pain conditions.
  • Faster Recovery: By improving blood flow and reducing muscle tightness, cupping can help speed up recovery after exercise or injury.
  • Reduced Inflammation: The therapy may help decrease inflammation, which is often linked to pain and stiffness.
  • Relaxation and Stress Relief: Many clients find cupping massage deeply relaxing, both physically and mentally.
  • Improved Mobility: Loosening tight muscles and fascia can lead to better flexibility and range of motion.
  • Detoxification: Enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage help the body eliminate waste products more efficiently.

Who Can Benefit from Cupping Therapy Massage?

Cupping therapy massage is suitable for a wide range of people, including those who:
  • Experience muscle pain or tension
  • Suffer from sports injuries or overuse
  • Have chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis
  • Want to improve their athletic performance or recovery
  • Seek natural methods for stress relief and relaxation
However, cupping may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as skin infections, bleeding disorders, or who are pregnant, should consult their healthcare provider before trying cupping therapy.

What to Expect During and After a Cupping Therapy Treatment?

Your first cupping therapy session at Move Origin starts with a consultation, where your therapist will discuss your health history and wellness goals. During the treatment, you may feel a gentle pulling sensation as the cups create suction. Most people find the experience relaxing, though you might notice a mild, warm feeling as blood flow increases.

Is Cupping Therapy and Massage Safe?

When performed by a trained professional, cupping therapy and massage are generally safe and well-tolerated. Our therapists at Move Origin are fully certified and use sterile, high-quality equipment to ensure your safety. Side effects are rare and usually mild, but your therapist will review any potential risks with you before your session.

Cupping for Athletes: From Trigger Points to Performance

Targeting Trigger Points

The suction from the cups can be highly effective at releasing trigger points, especially in large muscle groups. When a cup is placed over a stubborn knot, it creates a lifting force that pulls the tissue away from the bone and surrounding muscles. This unique action can be more effective than traditional massage in:
  • Releasing Deep Knots: Cupping can access trigger points in deep muscles, such as the piriformis or iliopsoas, that are often difficult to reach with manual pressure alone.
  • Improving Blood Flow: The suction draws oxygenated blood to the area, helping to flush out the inflammatory chemicals that keep the trigger point in a state of constant contraction.
  • Breaking Up Adhesions: The negative pressure helps to separate muscle fibers and fascial tissue that have become stuck together, restoring natural movement and reducing pain.

Enhanced Movement and Mobility

Tight muscles and restricted fascia limit your range of motion and increase the risk of injury. Cupping helps to address these issues directly, leading to improved athletic performance:
  • Restoring Flexibility: By lifting and stretching the fascial layers, cupping can increase flexibility in key areas like the hamstrings, hip flexors, and shoulders, which are crucial for dynamic movements in sports.
  • Promoting Joint Mobility: When muscles surrounding a joint are tight, they can restrict its movement. Cupping helps to relax these muscles, allowing for a greater range of motion and more efficient biomechanics.
  • Accelerating Recovery: For athletes, a quick recovery is essential. Cupping helps to reduce post-exercise muscle soreness (DOMS) by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, allowing you to get back to training sooner.

Hitting the Spots: Common Cupping Locations for Sports

Our therapists often use cupping on specific muscle groups to optimise athletic function and recovery:
  • Upper and Lower Back: To relieve tension in the latissimus dorsi and erector spinae muscles, which are critical for power and stability in sports like golf, swimming, and weightlifting.
  • Shoulders and Rotator Cuff: To improve mobility and prevent injury in sports that involve throwing or repetitive arm movements (e.g., tennis, cricket).
  • Thighs and Glutes: To address tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, which are key for running, cycling, and jumping.
  • Calves and Feet: To release tension in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, helping with issues like shin splints and plantar fasciitis.

Experience the Benefits of Cupping Therapy Massage at Move Origin

Ready to try cupping therapy massage and experience its powerful benefits for yourself? Book your session at Move Origin today or contact our team to learn more about how we can help you move, feel, and live better!

Explore Our Full Range of Therapeutic Massage Services

At Move Origin, we offer much more than just cupping therapy massage. Our team of skilled therapists provides a comprehensive suite of advanced treatments designed to target your unique needs and support your overall well-being. Discover our other popular services:

Remedial Massage

A targeted approach that addresses muscle pain, tension, and injuries. Remedial massage is ideal for chronic pain relief and restoring normal muscle function.

Sports Therapy Massage

Sports therapy massage is Perfect for athletes and active individuals. This massage helps prevent injuries, enhance performance, and accelerate recovery after intense physical activity.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy specialised technique that focuses on releasing tight knots (trigger points) in your muscles, providing relief from referred pain and improving mobility.

Dry Needling Therapy

Dry needling therapy is a modern treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to target trigger points and deep muscle tension, promoting faster healing and pain relief.

IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation)

Utilising specially designed tools, IASTM helps break down scar tissue, improve mobility, and speed up recovery from soft tissue injuries.

Active Release Technique (ART)

A hands-on therapy that combines movement and precise pressure to treat soft tissue restrictions, reduce pain, and restore optimal function.

Move Origin Norwest

Frequently Asked Questions

Cupping therapy is a treatment that uses suction cups to lift and separate the skin and underlying tissue, promoting circulation and healing.
Cupping therapy massage combines the suction of cups with massage techniques to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and support recovery.
Benefits include pain relief, faster recovery, reduced inflammation, relaxation, improved mobility, and detoxification.
Yes, when performed by a certified therapist, cupping massage is safe. Mild side effects like temporary marks or soreness may occur.
Cupping marks usually fade within a few days to a week and are a normal part of the healing process.
Absolutely! Cupping can be combined with other therapies like remedial massage, sports massage, or dry needling for enhanced results.
People with certain health conditions, such as skin infections, bleeding disorders, or those who are pregnant, should consult a healthcare provider before trying cupping therapy.
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