Cupping

Cupping is an alternative pain management therapy used for thousands of years. It provides lasting relief for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal problems. At Pinnacle Sports Performance and Rehabilitation, which has two locations in Austin, Texas, Ryan Anderson, DC, Logan Reiff, DC, and the team uses cupping to relieve pain and promote healing. Call the nearest Pinnacle Sports Performance and Rehabilitation office to schedule cupping treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

I’m recovering from an injury. Can cupping help?

It’s likely! Cupping is an ancient therapy that complements your body’s natural healing process. 

During treatment, the Pinnacle Sports Performance and Rehabilitation team places cups on different areas of your body, like your back, stomach, arms, or legs. The cups create suction and pull your skin upward, increasing blood flow to the treatment site. 

Increased circulation triggers the production of new and healthy tissue at the cellular level. It’s also believed to clear pores and release toxins from your body. 

What types of medical conditions does cupping treat?

The Pinnacle Sports Performance and Rehabilitation team use cupping to treat various medical conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Joint pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Headaches and migraines
• High blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel disease)

Some people use cupping to relieve respiratory problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. 

Are there different types of cupping?

The Pinnacle Sports Performance and Rehabilitation team offers several types of cupping therapy, including:

Dry cupping

During dry cupping, your provider heats the inside of a plastic or ceramic cup. Then, they place it on a specific area of your skin. The heat creates a vacuum, pulling your skin into the cup and increasing blood flow to the area.

Wet cupping

Wet cupping is similar to dry cupping. The difference is that your provider makes a small puncture wound on your skin before applying the cups. The cups create a vacuum, and the wounds allow toxins to leave your body.

My skin is bruised. Is this part of cupping recovery?

Yes. The suction that cupping creates causes the tiny blood vessels beneath your skin to burst. After treatment, it’s normal to have mild bruising and swelling at each site where cups were placed. These bruises usually heal within a week or two, but contact the team immediately if they’re painful or get worse.  

I’m at risk of blood clots. Can I still undergo cupping?

Cupping is safe and usually well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. That’s particularly true if you’ve been diagnosed with:

• A bleeding disorder (e.g., hemophilia)
• Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
• Blood clotting problems
• Seizures

After a review of your medical history and a physical exam, the Pinnacle Sports Performance and Rehabilitation team makes personalized treatment recommendations. 

Call the nearest Pinnacle Sports Performance and Rehabilitation office to schedule a cupping consultation, or book your appointment online today. 

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