Now offering - Myofascial Dry Cupping
I am pleased to say that once I reopen (on the 3rd of December) I will be offering dry cupping as not only a stand alone treatment option but also included in my sport therapy sessions.
Myofascial Dry Cupping stems from traditional Chinese medicine, and is a modality used in conjunction with massage therapy, exercise prescription and dry needling. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient holistic healthcare system which has been used to treat injuries for thousands of years. Whilst this style differs from the modern techniques, it is utilised by Sports Therapists as a way to specifically target acupuncture channels with the aim of balancing energy within the body. The 'western' method is to s target the musculoskeletal system directly. Both styles work in similar ways and TCM still has an effect on the physical body. It can be used in a multitude of ways by being placed over acupuncture points, over trigger points and along acupuncture channels. Often used when the area is non-responsive to massage or as part of combination therapy to create larger benefits.
The principle theory behind dry cupping is that as our body breaks down including loss of muscle, increased number of adhesions in fascia and decreased blood flow. Through progressive inactivity blood supply to tissues decreases and the fascia gets knotted and scarred. This leads to a vicious cycle of tightness and reduced movement! Dry Cupping like with massage therapy can aid in reducing these effects by increasing blood flow to the muscle and fascia as well as increasing the pliability of soft tissue.
So, how does it work?
When the cups are placed along the skin, it pulls blood into an area and allows tissues to become saturated with fresh blood while the vacuum created pulls stagnant blood out of the tissues. This is demonstrated by the bruises like marks that develop and are left behind, this mark may become black and purple but it is rarely painful! As new blood is forced into the tissue, neovascularization occurs which is where the new blood vessels begin to develop around the area that has undergone dry cupping. These new vessels provide additional blood supply to the area, which occurs at the same time as sterile inflammation occurs. This is where the body releases white blood cells, myoblasts, fibroblasts and platelets. The vacuum effect created causes separation of the different layers of tissue which can lead to microtrauma. This is what stimulates the formation of new blood vessels in addition to the migration of blood and nutrients to the damaged tissue. Multiple cups are used around an injured area to cause the required stretch reflex with the connective tissue and fascia, all of this results in increased pliability and range of movement at the closest joint.
Why is Dry Cupping beneficial to you?
It increases circulation to the area, which therefore increases oxygenation and nutrient levels to the tissues.
Helps increase the removal of chemical irritants within muscle and fascia in addition to the removal of stagnant blood.
The ability to renew the healing process, due to the stretch reflex microtrauma.
In addition the stretch reflex in both fascia and connective tissue increases mobility around the localised joint.
Is great in conjunction with other therapies such as sports massage, exercise prescription and joint mobilisation.
What do Dry Cupping marks look like?
Traditionally cupping marks vary from person to person depending on whether you have had treatment before, present injuries and blood flow. Ideally they will be around a mid red to purple colour that could last 7-10 days, or could be reabsorbed within hours. There is also a chance that the marking could be a blue/white colour in appearance, which signals a reduced circulation to that area and/or that the area is cold. Even though these marks look like bruises, they don't hurt to touch.
I am super excited to bring this technique to you when I am able to reopen! I will be offering it as an individual treatment option as well as in combination with my sports therapy treatments.
I hope you are all staying safe, and washing your hands! I miss seeing all my clients, and can’t wait to be open again soon.
