Myofascial cupping in Summerland
I use clear suction cups on tight muscles, as one option within your chiropractic visit.
What is myofascial cupping?
Cupping uses suction against the skin rather than pressure from my hands. I place clear plastic cups over the area, draw out some air and adjust the suction to your comfort. Depending on the spot, I leave the cups still or glide them gently along the skin.
It's often part of care for tight muscles in the back, neck and shoulders, and for sports injuries. It's one form of soft tissue therapy, and I use it with adjustments and exercises. Cupping is one part of your plan, never the plan on its own.
Your visit, start to finish
Take a seat in the waiting room, and I'll meet you at your appointment time.
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I assess first
I check the area and your health history to see whether cupping suits you.
If it doesn't, I'll tell you and suggest something else.
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I place the cups
I set each cup over the area and draw out air to create suction.
You'll feel a firm pull or stretch. Tell me and I'll ease the suction or lift a cup off.
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Still or gliding
Depending on the area, I leave the cups in place or glide them along the skin.
It's part of your usual visit, so you don't need a separate appointment.
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Afterwards
I take the cups off and email you a few stretches or exercises to go with it.
Round marks or bruising are common and fade with time. Text me if they worry you.
Where I may use cupping
I may use it as one part of care for tight muscles, mostly in the back, neck, shoulders and legs. Not sure about yours? Text me and ask.
Low back tightness
Stiff, tight muscles across the low back.
Read more NeckNeck tension
A tight neck and the muscles that run down into the shoulders.
Read more ShoulderShoulders and shoulder blades
Tight muscles over and between the shoulder blades.
Read more ThighHamstrings and outer thigh
Tight leg muscles from running, cycling or hiking.
Read moreDesk and screen tension
An upper back that tightens after long hours at a desk or on a phone.
Tight calves
Calves that feel tight after hills, a long run or a day on your feet.
Is cupping right for me?
Most people with tight muscles in the back, neck or legs can try it. Some health issues mean I'd rather know first.
Often a good fit
- a muscle feels tight or hard to loosen
- you'd like to try suction rather than pressure from my hands
- you don't mind round marks on your skin for a while
- you're doing exercises as well, as part of a wider plan
Tell me first
- you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- you have eczema, psoriasis or broken skin in the area
- you're pregnant
- you have varicose veins in the area
- you have a fever or feel unwell
None of these stop you coming in. I'll skip cupping that day or use it away from that area, and we'll use something else instead.
After your visit
The marks are the part people notice most. Here's what's normal, and the one sign that isn't.
See a doctor soon if the skin where the cups were becomes painful, hot and swollen, blisters, or you feel feverish.
Round marks are normal
They can look pink, red or purple, and fade on their own. There's nothing you need to put on them.
Plan around them
If you have a wedding, a swim or a photo coming up, tell me and I'll keep the cups where clothes cover.
Keep moving
Normal activity is fine. The area may feel looser, or a little tender.
Text me
If a mark blisters, or doesn't seem to be fading. I'll get back to you between patients.
Your cupping questions
Find out what suits your needs
Cupping is one option we can discuss after your assessment. Book a Wednesday appointment online, or text or email me if you'd like help booking.