To relieve pain and muscular tightness by myotherapy north Melbourne, myotherapists often use the cupping technique. It has historical roots and was popularised by Traditional Chinese Medicine, while it was also utilised throughout time in many other civilizations. Let's examine how modern myotherapy and myotherapists use cupping.
What is cupping?
In order to elevate underlying tissues close to the skin's surface, myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that involves placing decompressed cups on the skin. Fascia, muscles, blood, and other fluids are among the tissues that are raised. Usually, the back, shoulders, neck, sacrum, hip, abdomen, legs, or arms are the areas where myofascial cupping is used. Because it is based on Western anatomy and physiology and targets diseases of the muscles and fascia (myofascia), as opposed to internal issues, it varies from the cupping practised by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and other practitioners of Eastern medicine. Every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fibre, and muscle are surrounded by and held in place by the thin covering of connective tissue known as fascia. You can observe fascia in action if you cut open an orange and look at the white threads holding the segments together. Fascia ties humans together while simultaneously enabling structurally sound movement, much like in the orange.
Many traditional medicinal systems have used cupping. Increasing blood flow, lowering discomfort, and stretching superficial soft tissues, including fascia, are utilised to treat soft tissue constraints and muscle overactivity or tightness in manual therapy professions today, including myotherapy.
Using Cups In Myotherapy
There are three different kinds of cups used: flexible, food-grade silicone cups that can be kept in place as well as moved (static). A plastic cup with a pistol handle valve is another option. This valve is used to tighten the cups and produce a client-safe vacuum on the skin. To induce a myofascial stretch in the tissue being cupped, the plastic cups are applied statically and can be supplemented with movements of the affected or neighbouring limb. There are also the conventional glass and flame cups, which employ the flame to apply heat and suction to the skin and muscles.
For a variety of conditions, including sciatica, rotator cuff pain, headaches, and much more, myotherapists utilise cupping.
How can using a cup improve my condition?
The viscoelastic, shock-absorbing, and energy-absorbing qualities of fascia are affected by manual therapy by changing the tissue tone and ground substance, a layer of connective tissue that resembles a gel. Additionally, cupping has been shown to affect the biomechanical qualities of the skin, improve pain tolerance, and reduce inflammation. It also increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the targeted muscle, enhancing muscle tone and range of motion. Due to input from local skin receptors where the cups have been applied, there are advantages for the central nervous system. Additionally, the lymphatic system is activated, which improves lymphatic drainage and the removal of cellular waste.
Consequences Of Cupping
‘Bruises' from cupping can remain for up to three weeks. With glass and plastic cups, this is more likely than with flexible silicon cups. Other adverse effects may include feeling dizzy or faint following therapy, as well as momentary lightheadedness. Because of this, we will never administer cupping as part of your therapy without first receiving your informed consent.
Please share the following information with your therapist before getting any cupping. While cupping may still be advantageous, another method might be more appropriate:
- If you feel very exhausted
- Using certain drugs, such as topical steroids or anticoagulants
- If your skin is delicate or thin
- If your blood pressure is high or low.
When shouldn't you use cupping?
Your myotherapist can employ a range of methods, including cupping. Cupping will boost blood flow to the area, momentarily raising swelling, thus we won't do it where there is persistent inflammation or swelling. Additionally, we steer clear of cupping on people who are dehydrated, have a high body temperature, have a skin infection, or are bruised. If you have a blood issue, organ inflammation or perforation (such as a gastric ulcer), cancer, or you are recuperating from a heart condition, we may also use a different approach. In order for us to jointly decide whether cupping is appropriate for you, please share any conditions you currently have with your practitioner.
Cupping follow-up
Rehydrate with water after your treatment, stay warm, and get some rest. To maintain your increased mobility after your cupping treatment, gentle movement and stretching might also be beneficial.
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