Effects of Cupping Therapy on Fascia

To first understand the effects of cupping therapy, we must first understand the definition of fascia. So what is fascia? Fascia has been described by Dr. Christopher DaPrato as a continuous, web-like structure of a collagen fiber "web" that connects every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ within the human body. This connection of tissues plays an important roll in the structural integrity of the body along with enhancing functional efficiency.

There are three main layers of fascia that each play their part:

• Superficial Fascia

• Deep Fascia

• Visceral Fascia

Healthy fascia allows for efficient movement and force allocation throughout the body. When facia becomes restricted through one of the various means of life (i.e. trauma, injury, overuse, or inactivity), it may lead to increase in pain, reduction in mobility/flexibility, and increased tissue dysfunction.

*this is where cupping therapy comes into effect!

By reducing friction between the fascial layers, cupping allows for smoother movement of muscles and other structures, particularly in areas where fascial restrictions are common, such as the shoulder, back, knees, and hips. Some practitioners have noted improved range of motion and reduced pain following cupping sessions (McCullough 2020).

The main vectors that cupping therapy achieves its effect are the following:

• Enhanced Microcirculation

• Reduction of Hypersensitivity

• Enhanced Gliding for Areas of Densification

• Endorphin Release

Warren, et al., (2020) demonstrated that dynamic cupping therapy increased hamstring mobility and improved the sense of lower extremity relief in high-level athletes. This research supports the notion that cupping therapy can effectively alleviate pain and improve tissue mobility, further validating its therapeutic applications. The systematic review by Cao, Li, and Liu (2012) also highlighted the effectiveness of cupping in relieving musculoskeletal pain, suggesting that these mechanisms likely contribute to its therapeutic effects.

Of course, manual therapy is not warranted as a stand alone treatment for most cases. This is why we put together a program for each individual following treatment with the exercise prescription to help set the tissue changes and reduce re-occurrence while modulating pain.

References

1. Cao, H., Li, X., & Liu, J. (2012). An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. PLOS ONE, 7(2), e31793. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031793

2. McCullough, M. (2020). Change in muscle stiffness using shear wave elastography, range of motion, and perceived pain following a cupping therapy treatment in physically active adults (Master's thesis, Boise State University). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. https://doi.org/10.18122/td/1673/boisestate

3. Kim, J., Lee, J., & Kim, S. (2019). Effects of cupping therapy on range of motion, pain, and muscle activity of the hip joint in female professional soccer players: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(4), 445-451.

4. Warren, A. J., LaCross, Z., Volberding, J. L., & O'Brien, M. S. (2020). Acute outcomes of myofascial decompression (cupping therapy) compared to self-myofascial release on hamstring pathology after a single treatment. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 15(4), 579592.