Cupping for Back Pain: What First-Timers Should Know
Written By: Andrew Millett
Cupping has become increasingly popular in recent years as a pain management practice used by physical therapists. At Move Strong Physical Therapy, we provide cupping in Massachusetts at our Hudson physical therapy location as part of a larger pain management plan. In this article, we look at cupping for back pain, including how it works and its benefits.
Article contents
- What is cupping?
- Is cupping painful?
- Cupping placement for lower back pain
- How does cupping help alleviate back pain?
- Benefits of cupping for back pain
- Learn more about cupping for back pain
What is Cupping?
The practice of cupping involves using small glass cups and suction to create a local vacuum. When placed over muscles, the seal causes a suction phenomenon known as negative pressure, effectively pulling the interstitial fluids from under and into muscle tissue.
The use of these suction cups encourage circulation and blood flow to lymph nodes to allow enzymes and nutrients to clear cellular waste. It is typically done in multiple areas at once and can involve various placements on the body, including; legs, back, chest and neck.
Is Cupping Painful?
It’s a common misconception that cupping is extremely painful. Because cupping works deep in the muscle, below the surface of the skin, it may feel uncomfortable and/or leave small circular bruises from punctured blood vessels.
When done correctly, cupping for back pain can give a great sense of relief to stubborn areas. Our licensed professionals can work with you to incorporate cupping into your physical therapy program.
Cupping Placement for Lower Back Pain
The exact cupping points to target your back pain will differ slightly from person to person. In general, you can expect to have cups placed across your entire back. It’s important to communicate with your PT throughout the treatment in case any specific points or areas are too sensitive for your comfort.
Your PT may reserve larger diameter cups for specifically treating the low back. Lower back cupping may also alleviate pain and aches felt up and down the spine, the shoulders, and down the legs, too.
How Does Cupping Help Alleviate Back Pain?
Cupping is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to relieve aches, pains, and other physical conditions. When you have back pain, the suction created in the cup helps pull blood toward the surface of your skin so that your body can heal through natural processes. More oxygen-rich blood encourages healthy cell regeneration and relieves muscle tension.
Benefits of Cupping for Back Pain
Our Massachusetts PT clients want to know the benefits of cupping therapy. There are many benefits of cupping for lower back pain that has been documented in recent years. As a result, many people have started adding it to their treatment regimen to help them reap the rewards. Here are some of the most common benefits:
Resolves Chronic Muscle Tightness
Cupping for back pain uses suction to relieve muscle tension and increase blood circulation. It's most commonly used for back pain and helps with other physical ailments.
If you find you’re feeling constant soreness, aches, and pains after exercise or activity, it could be a sign that you’re not recovering properly from your workouts.
Increases Circulation
Cupping increases circulation, which helps your body bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to dull, sore, or injured muscles. This can help reduce pain and increase healing time for back pain and many other common ailments.
Encourages Tissues to Release Toxins
Like dry needling, cupping for back pain is a type of alternative technique that physical therapists use for treating multiple body areas. Applying suction to the skin encourages tissues to release toxins and reduces muscle spasms to help with back pain.
Reduces Scars
Cupping uses glass cups to create negative pressure on the skin. The suction created from the cup causes the skin to be drawn into the cup and stimulates blood flow, promoting healing. This is beneficial for reducing scars caused by inflammation.
Ease the Flow of Lymphatic Fluid
Perfect for relieving tight, sore muscles and knots in the back. This treatment helps open up the lymphatic nodes' blockages and ease the flow of lymph. It is known to help with pain management and recovery time while you recover from an injury or surgery.
Learn More About Cupping for Back Pain
Cupping can be an effective pain management tactic and has many benefits. If you are experiencing back pain, cupping can be used for pain relief.
For those in Central Massachusetts, see how cupping can be used to complement your treatment plan at Move Strong Physical Therapy. Come visit our staff at our physical therapy center in Hudson, Massachusetts. We look forward to seeing you soon.
