You may have recently started hearing more about “cupping” or noticed red circle marks on athletes on TV. We all remember wondering what those marks were on Michael Phelps during the Olympics. Cupping has been around for centuries but why is it getting so much hype now?
What is cupping?
Cupping and MFD use negative pressure forces on suction cups to create lifting of the tissues. This creates space within the tissue layers for improved gliding and mobility.
We have many layers of tissue, including skin, fascia, muscle, etc., that should move fluidly but due to injury, inflammation, and simply over time the tissues can become thickened and less mobile.
Unlike other forms of manual therapy (massage, myofascial release, IASTM, joint mobilizations) that are compressive in nature, cupping and MFD are decompressive. Decompression helps release tight tissues, improve trigger points, improve blood flow and nutrient exchange and create a change to the neuromuscular system which allows for temporary pain relief.
What is the difference between MFD and cupping?
Traditional cupping has been a part of many Eastern cultures for centuries. You may have heard of or had “fire” or “wet” cupping. These techniques are mostly performed by acupuncturists or massage therapists and used to promote healing through a change in energy systems. This technique is passive in nature. This can be beneficial but it differs from MFD.
Traditional fire cupping
Passive, shot-gun approach
Myofascial Decompression, or MFD, uses similar tools but adds the art and skill of movement to create physiological changes. It is considered dry cupping, meaning there is no fire or cutting of the skin. With the manual pump you are able to get more pressure generated thus lifting up more on the tissue. Cup placement is based off muscular anatomy. Once the cups are placed, treatment involves ACTIVE movements of the joints followed by neuromuscular re-education to improve movement patterns and make lasting changes to the tissue.
What are the benefits of MFD?
Increases space between the tissues allowing for better fluid and nutrient exchange
Increases blood flow
Improves scar mobility
Decreases trigger points
Releases connective tissue adhesions within the tissues
Speeds up recovery times
Decreases pain
Improves movement quality
What conditions can you use MFD for?
Orthopedic conditions
Sports medicine
Contractures
Scar adhesions
Post surgical recovery
Muscle and movement imbalances
Tendinopathy
Postural issues
Pain
Trigger points
You can do MFD on most areas of the body. Most commonly it is used on the shoulder, forearm, neck, back, hip, knee, IT Band, calf and foot.
What are the potential side effects?
The main side effect after cupping is that you are potentially left with a circle shaped bruise or redness. This depends on the area cupped and visability varies in length of time, usually 3-7 days.
Cupping can also create a Vasovagal Response which is temporary failure of the brain to maintain blood pressure and heart rate. This can happen due to pain, fear, anxiety, trauma, blood loss, extreme exertion, prolonged static standing, physical or emotion stress, or an unpleasant sight, smell or sound.
Some people like to see the cups on their skin but others get a little weirded out. The good thing is you don’t have to look!
What do the dark circles mean?
Actually there is no link between the color and the condition of the tissue. More is linked to the porosity and thickening of the tissue, as well as, the appearance of the tissue under the cup (is it creating a nice dome effect or are there divots in the tissue?).
Cupping should not be used on open cuts/wounds, those with serious heart conditions or vascular conditions, active TB, hemophilia, active cancer, high fever or flu, convulsions or cramping, elastic skin disorders or over hernias. Caution is used during pregnancy, over certain areas on the face, with healing or thin skin, those on blood thinners, and those with poor tissue healing.
Do you still need formal physical therapy?
YES!
One of the biggest reasons that myofascial decompression works is that it involves neuromuscular re-education. Just like all of our manual therapy techniques, it is not meant to be performed in isolation. It is still very important that you continue your exercises to make lasting improvements in your mobility, strength, stability and movement patterns.