Cupping and Massage

Cupping is a form of soft tissue mobilization utilized to improve myofascial mobility, which can be a source of joint restriction and pain.

The connective tissue that binds layers of skin, muscles and tendons together is called fascia. When chronic pain and inflammation is present in an area, your body sends in cells to help heal the area, but this can also cause scar tissue to form, binding up the myofascial layers. Cupping uses suction instead of compression to ease muscle tension, and so can actually be more comfortable than deep tissue massage in some cases. Cupping also releases soft tissue tension by:

• Pulling apart scar tissue that can adhere to structures below
• Bringing blood flow into an area of poor circulation to address “trigger points” or a tender area of a muscle
• Stretching myofascial layers apart

A History of Cupping

Cupping has been around for over 5,000 years, with its origins in Eastern Chinese medicine. Eastern cultures started cupping by using animal horns and flame. This technique was later adapted by Western medicine and became quite popular when Olympic athletes displayed the signature dark, circular marks at competitions.

Cupping marks are commonly misconstrued as bruises; however, bruises are created by an injury or pressure to soft tissue and can be tender to touch. Cupping marks, on the other hand, are created from a different mechanism, suction. This suction pulls cellular debris, old cells, inflammation, and trapped blood to the surface of the skin, which is then cleared away by your pores, skin, and circulatory systems. These marks can last anywhere from a few hours to a week. They are not painful like a bruise and as the soft tissue restrictions release, the body retains less cellular debris and inflammation, so the marks become less visible with additional cupping treatments.

Exceptional Pain Management

At the Denver Spine and Pain Institute, we understand the importance of offering a variety of techniques and options to treat your pain. Our team is committed to the maintenance and advancement of therapies offered to provide you with the pain relief needed to get back to your life.

We have designed our exclusive Connected Care Approach™ with this in mind. As part of this approach, you can expect:

• A full range of treatment options, including physical therapy, massage, interventional procedures with our physician team, lifestyle coaching, behavioral health, and research.
• Caring and therapeutic relationships with our team to provide you with the best care possible.
• Detailed discussions and mutual decision-making from a trusted and dedicated healthcare partner.
• Mobilizing an experienced team to coordinate your care program.