Healing Myofascial Cupping

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Full Transparency with Photos:
For all photos on this site, I have full permission from my female sports clients to share images of cupping both on and off the body. This allows people who have never experienced cupping to see exactly what it looks like.

About Me:
I specialise in women’s health and have over 10 years of experience in this field. If you feel uncomfortable receiving care from a male practitioner specialising in women’s health, I encourage you to seek a provider who better aligns with your comfort level, as my practice may not be the right fit for you.

Safety First:
Everyone reacts differently to myofascial cupping. I do not perform cupping on clients with unhealthy skin or medical conditions such as diabetes.

Important: This is not Chinese Cupping.

What is Myofascial Cupping?

You may have seen athletes on TV or someone in public with round marks on their shoulders or back. These are often associated with Chinese or “fire” cupping, which I do not perform.

I also do not perform wet cupping or any treatment involving blood. These methods carry a high risk of infection and are not supported by my insurance or clinical standards.

Chinese Fire Cupping: Glass cups are heated with flame and applied to the skin. This method can cause burns and skin damage, especially in untrained hands.

Wet Cupping: Involves making small cuts on the skin to draw blood under suction. This treatment carries a high risk of infection and is not medically recommended.

Myofascial Cupping:
Historically used in many cultures, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping was believed to improve stagnant or congested energy and blood flow. Modern practice focuses on releasing soft tissue fascia—connective tissues that can cause pain or tension—through suction, rather than compression, which can aid recovery and reduce discomfort.

Why We Use Cupping at Athletic Sports Massage Canberra

Cupping is like a reverse massage: instead of pressing into the tissue, suction pulls it into the cups. This encourages movement of the underlying tissues, decreases muscle tension, and increases blood flow, which helps nourish and heal the area.

How We Do It

We use plastic pump suction cups, which are safer than traditional glass cups and do not require flame. This allows for a controlled, comfortable, and effective treatment.

We offer two types of myofascial cupping:

1. Gliding Cupping:

• Oil is applied to the skin. 
• Cups are moved along the tissue to release tightness. 
• Leaves long reddish marks that fade faster than stationary cupping.
   

2. Stationary Cupping:

• Cups are placed on a tight or sore area for 5–8 minutes. 
• More likely to leave temporary marks, but this is superficial and usually fades within a week.
   

Does it hurt?

Discomfort varies from person to person, depending on muscle tightness and sensitivity. Suction may feel strong at first, but generally eases as the tissue relaxes.

• Gliding cupping can feel uncomfortable initially if muscles are tight, but suction is adjustable for comfort. 
• Some post-treatment tenderness or bruising may occur; these are temporary and part of the normal healing process. 

Therapeutic Benefits of Myofascial Cupping

Myofascial cupping offers a range of therapeutic benefits that support recovery, movement, and overall tissue health:

• Chronic Pain Management: Helps manage ongoing discomfort by lifting and loosening tight fascia, improving tissue health, and modulating overactive pain signals. 
• Release of Tight Myofascial Tissue: Reduces restrictions in connective tissue, promoting relaxation and comfort. 
• Passive Soft Tissue Stretch: Gently stretches muscles and fascia without active effort from the client. 
• Improved Circulation: Suction draws blood from deeper tissues to the surface, nourishing the skin and supporting healing. 
• Increased Tissue Temperature: Encourages warmth in the area, which can enhance muscle relaxation and tissue recovery. 
• Reduced Tension and Adhesions: Helps release knots and adhesions in muscles and fascia. 
• Enhanced Range of Motion (ROM) and Flexibility: Softens tight muscles and fascia, supporting freer and more fluid movement.

Important Safety Information – Myofascial Cupping.

⚠️ Wet Cupping is Not Recommended

Wet cupping involves creating small incisions in the skin to draw blood. This significantly increases the risk of infection, as the wounds are difficult to clean and monitor. There is no strong scientific evidence supporting therapeutic benefits from wet cupping.

Any procedure that intentionally breaks the skin should only be performed by a licensed medical physician in a controlled clinical environment. Avoid non-medical practitioners offering blood-letting techniques due to the high risk of infection and other complications.

⚠️ When You Should Avoid Myofascial Cupping

Myofascial cupping is generally safe, but there are certain situations where treatment should be avoided or delayed:

Do Not Receive Cupping If You Have:

• Active skin infections, rashes, sunburn, or open wounds in the treatment area. 
• Severe varicose veins in the area being treated. 
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or cardiovascular conditions. 
• Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) or if taking blood thinners. 
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or high risk of blood clots. 
• Fever or acute illness (flu, infection, cold) 
• Recent surgery or injury that hasn’t fully healed. 
• Cancer in the treatment area, unless cleared by a doctor.
   

Pregnancy:
Cupping can be performed safely in some cases, but areas such as the abdomen and lower back should generally be avoided. Always consult your practitioner first.

Medications:
Inform your therapist if you take blood thinners or have conditions affecting your skin, circulation, or immune system.

Tattoos:

• Safe: Fully healed tattoos (usually after 4–6 weeks, longer for large or heavily shaded areas) 
• Avoid: Fresh or healing tattoos. Suction can disrupt healing, cause irritation or infection, pull on delicate skin, or distort the ink.
   

✅ Always Tell Your Practitioner If You:

• Have a medical condition or chronic illness. 
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? 
• Take prescription medication, such as pain medications. 
• Have sensitive skin or bruise easily.
   

Myofascial Cupping Q&A

Q: Is cupping only for regular clients?
A: Cupping is offered as an add-on to remedial or sports massage sessions, so it’s included in your 1 or 1.5-hour massage.

Q: Can I have cupping while taking pain medication?
A: For skin safety, it’s best to wait until you have stopped the medication before receiving cupping.

Q: How long are the cups left on?
A: Typically 5–8 minutes per area. I normally leave them on the back for 8 minutes. 

Q: Will I get bruising?
A: Some marks are normal and may last several days. If you have plans to wear clothing that exposes the area, consider timing your session accordingly.

Q: Do you use stationary cups or gliding cupping?
A: Both techniques are used depending on the treatment area. Gliding cups move over oiled skin to release tension, while stationary cups target specific tight spots.

Q: Who can receive cupping therapy?
A: Myofascial cupping is a therapeutic intervention designed to reduce soft tissue restrictions, improve blood flow, decrease pain, and support neuromuscular relaxation. It is not appropriate for everyone. Contraindications include:

• Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulants. 
• Compromised skin integrity or active infections.
• Vascular disease or cancer in the treatment area. 
• Pregnancy in certain regions.
   

A qualified healthcare professional will assess suitability before treatment.

Photos and Transparency

All photos on this site are shared with full consent from my female clients and me, with cupping showing the cupping on and off the body. This allows people who have never experienced cupping to see what it looks like. 

Remember, everyone reacts differently to myofascial cupping, and marks or sensations can vary from person to person.