Cupping Therapy Explained: Benefits and What to Expect
If you've ever noticed athletes or celebrities sporting circular red marks on their backs or shoulders, you've likely seen the results of cupping therapy, an ancient healing technique that’s now a trending part of modern physiotherapy care.
At Norwest Central Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic, we use cupping therapy as part of our holistic treatment approach to support muscle recovery, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. But what exactly is cupping therapy? How does it work, and should you consider it for your own health and wellness?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including the benefits of cupping therapy, how it works, what to expect during a session, and how it fits into physiotherapy care.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a traditional healing technique where suction is created on the skin using specially designed cups. The process draws the skin and superficial muscle layer upward, promoting better circulation, pain relief, and muscle relaxation.
At our clinic, we primarily use dry cupping therapy, which means no incisions or blood are involved. The cups may be made of glass, silicone, or plastic and are applied using either heat or a mechanical pump to create the suction.
The practice dates back thousands of years, originating in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine. Today, it's backed by both tradition and emerging research, especially in its use within physiotherapy cupping for musculoskeletal treatment.
How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
The key mechanism behind cupping therapy lies in the suction effect it creates. When suction is applied to the skin, it increases blood flow to the area, loosens tight muscles, and facilitates healing in the soft tissues.
This process helps:
Stimulate circulation
Relieve muscular tension
Promote lymphatic drainage
Reduce inflammation
Release stagnation and toxins
Cupping therapy for back pain is one of the most common applications, but it’s also highly effective for the neck, shoulders, legs, and even arms, especially for those recovering from sports injuries or repetitive strain.
Top Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Here’s a closer look at the many benefits of cupping therapy, especially when combined with physiotherapy:
Relieves Muscle Tension
Cupping therapy is often used to relieve tight, knotted muscles. It works by stretching and lifting the muscle and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles), providing relief that traditional massage may not reach.
Many patients report that cupping for muscle pain is more effective than deep tissue massage because it works from the outside in by decompressing, rather than compressing the muscles.
Boosts Circulation
Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to sore and tight areas, helping speed up recovery and reduce soreness. That’s why cupping therapy for sports injury recovery is so popular with athletes, it helps them heal faster and perform better.
Eases Pain and Inflammation
Whether you're dealing with chronic back pain, arthritis, or muscle stiffness, cupping can help reduce inflammation and offer natural pain relief. It’s commonly used in therapeutic cupping for fibromyalgia, migraines, and sciatica.
Improves Range of Motion
By loosening fascia and muscle adhesions, cupping therapy can improve flexibility and range of motion. This is particularly useful for people recovering from injuries or those with movement restrictions due to posture or repetitive strain.
Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
A lesser-known benefit of cupping therapy is its calming effect on the nervous system. The gentle suction activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest mode), leading to reduced anxiety, deeper sleep, and overall emotional balance.
What to Expect During a Cupping Therapy Session
If you’ve never experienced cupping before, you might feel unsure of what to expect. Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens during a typical session at Norwest Central Physiotherapy:
Initial Consultation
We’ll begin with a short consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. This helps us determine whether cupping therapy is suitable and which areas to focus on.
Application of Cups
Your physiotherapist will apply the cups to targeted areas using either a suction pump or by briefly heating the cups to create a vacuum. The suction draws the skin upwards, and you'll feel a gentle pulling or tightness. It's not painful; most patients describe it as unusual but comfortable.
Treatment Time
The cups remain in place for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your condition and tolerance. In some sessions, cups may be moved around (known as “gliding cupping”) to cover a wider area.
Post-Treatment
Once the cups are removed, you may see round, red or purple marks on the skin. These are not bruises but signs of improved circulation. They typically fade within a few days and are a normal response to the therapy.
Is Cupping Therapy Safe? What Are the Side Effects?
Yes, cupping therapy is safe when performed by a trained practitioner, especially in a professional setting like Norwest Central Physiotherapy.
Common, Mild Side Effects:
Circular red or purple marks (fade in 3–7 days)
Mild soreness
Warm sensation or tingling
When to Avoid Cupping Therapy:
If you have broken or infected skin
If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
If you have very thin or fragile skin
During pregnancy (on the abdomen or lower back)
We always assess every client before treatment and make recommendations based on individual health conditions.
Cupping Therapy vs. Other Physiotherapy Techniques
Cupping Therapy
Primary Benefit: Cupping therapy works by increasing circulation and decompressing soft tissue, which helps reduce pain and improve muscle recovery.
Invasiveness: It is a non-invasive treatment.
Massage Therapy
Primary Benefit: Massage therapy primarily helps relieve muscle tension through compression techniques, promoting relaxation and improved blood flow.
Invasiveness: This is also a non-invasive therapy.
Dry Needling
Primary Benefit: Dry needling targets trigger points within muscles to release tightness and reduce pain, often used for musculoskeletal issues.
Invasiveness: It is minimally invasive, as it involves inserting fine needles into the skin and muscles.
Joint Mobilisation
Primary Benefit: Joint mobilisation enhances joint movement and alignment through skilled manual techniques, improving flexibility and function.
Invasiveness: This is a hands-on, manual therapy and does not involve any instruments or penetration of the skin.
Who is Cupping Therapy For?
Cupping isn’t just for athletes or chronic pain patients. It’s suitable for a wide range of people, including:
Athletes with muscle soreness or limited mobility
Desk workers suffering from back, neck, or shoulder tension
Chronic pain sufferers (e.g., fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica)
People recovering from injuries like sprains, strains, or overuse
Anyone seeking natural, drug-free pain relief or stress reduction
Why Choose Norwest Central Physiotherapy for Cupping Therapy?
At Norwest Central Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic, we don’t offer cookie-cutter treatment plans. Every session is:
Tailored to your unique needs
Performed by qualified, experienced therapists
Integrated with evidence-based physiotherapy practices
Focused on real recovery and long-term results
We also educate you along the way, empowering you to manage your health beyond the clinic.
Whether it’s relieving tension, boosting performance, or simply helping you move better, our cupping therapy treatments are designed to support your full recovery journey.
Final Thoughts: Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?
If you’re struggling with tight muscles, recurring pain, or slow recovery from exercise or injury, cupping therapy might be the relief you didn’t know you needed.
This ancient therapy has earned its place in modern physiotherapy for good reason — it works. And at Norwest Central Physiotherapy, it’s delivered by experts who care about your whole-body health.
Book your cupping therapy session today with Norwest Central Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic.