Advanced Sports Massage & Myofascial Cupping

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$110 1-hour sports massage and Myofascial cupping session in two areas.

$130 1.5-hour sports massage which involves more body parts for the Myofascial cupping session. 

What is Myofascial Cupping? 

Have you seen some athletes on TV or a person walking down the street with round bruise marks on their shoulders or back, this can be the result of Myofascial Cupping. 

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy where some use glass or plastic cups in their today sessions.  

Myofascial cupping has been used since ancient times in many cultures but more commonly in Traditional Chinese treatments to decrease stagnant, congested blood flow and energy through the body.

In recent times many health professionals have come to realise that in the same process, we can apply the same materials with a different end goal in mind to be able to release these soft tissue fascia structures that can cause pain.

Why do we use cupping at Athletic Sports Massage Canberra?  

Cupping is much like a reverse massage where instead of compression into the soft tissue, suction is applied as the tissue is pulled into the cups. This has been shown to create movement and gliding of the tissues beneath the surface, decrease muscle tension, and increase blood flow which in turn helps, nourish the area with oxygen and aid in healing.  

How is it done? 

Traditionally, glass cups were used, and the suction was created by using heat, but this is becoming less widely used as plastic cups with a pump suction are safer. The plastic pump cups remove the need for flame to create heat which is a safer process and allows for quicker application and this is what Ray uses at ACT Sports Massage. 

There are two forms of Myofascial cupping I do. 

1. Gliding: Where oil is applied, and the cups are glided across the surface of the skin pulling the tissues into the cup as it moves slowly along the skin. This will only leave a long reddish mark on your skin but the red mark will go much quicker than cupping left on the skin for to 8 minutes. 
2. Stationary: This is where the cups are placed on one specifically tight area or the body and left for 5 to 8 minutes depending on the client. This is where the mark is more likely to occur. 

Does it hurt? 

It will depend on the client to client depending on how tight you are and your body level of sensitivity. While the suction might feel uncomfortable to start with, this will more than likely ease as the cups are left there. The gliding cupping can be uncomfortable to start with if you are tight, but the amount of suction used can be adjusted to your level of comfort if to light you may not get the same benefits. 

With most manual therapies, you may experience some post-treatment tenderness and as mentioned above there might be some bruising at the cupping sight. This is only superficial and should only last about a week depending on your body.  

Myofascial cupping has many therapeutic benefits which could include:  

• Help the release of tight Myofascial.
• Passively stretch soft tissues.
• Draws blood from deep to superficial resulting in nourishing the skin by improving blood circulation. 
• Increase tissue temperature. 
• Reduce tension and adhesion in the tissues. 
• Softens tight muscles and helps to increase the range of movement and flexibility in joints.

Q: Is the Myofascial Cupping just for your regular clients?

A: Yes, as it's an add-on I have within my remedial sports massage session. 

Q: How long do they stay on?

A: Five to eight minutes and then removed. 

Q: Will I get a bruise?

A: Yes, you might get some marks that can take several days to disappear, depending on the type of treatment and the length of time the cups remained on the skin. So, think before you get cupping if you are going out with a low-cut back dress to dinner or a wedding I wouldn't get cupping.

Q: Are your myofascial cupping techniques or are the cups left on the muscles without moving, do you use the gliding motion over the surface of the skin?

A: Yes, I can do either or both depending on the area I am doing in the session.

Q: Can anyone get the cupping?

A:  Myofascial cupping release is a therapeutic technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to help with pain relief, muscle relaxation, and improving blood flow. 

However, there are certain skin conditions where cupping is not recommended:

1. Active Infections: Skin infections, including cellulitis, impetigo, or fungal infections, should be avoided because cupping can exacerbate the infection or spread it to other areas.
2. Open Wounds or Ulcers: Cupping should not be performed on open wounds, cuts, sores, pimples or ulcers, as this can lead to further damage or infection.
3. Burns: Avoid cupping over areas with burns, as this can irritate the skin and delay healing.
4. Eczema or Psoriasis: For individuals with eczema or psoriasis, especially in active or inflamed stages, cupping can worsen the condition or cause discomfort.
5. Bruised or Thinned Skin: Cupping should be avoided in areas with bruises or where the skin is very thin or fragile, such as in elderly individuals or those with certain medical conditions that cause skin thinning.
6. Varicose Veins: Cupping over varicose veins can be harmful and may cause further vascular damage.
7. Severe Acne: Cupping over areas with severe acne can lead to increased irritation, infection, and scarring.
8. Skin Cancer: Avoid cupping over areas with known or suspected skin cancer.

If someone has any of these skin conditions or concerns, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before undergoing myofascial cupping release.