How does cupping fit into the overall PT treatment plan?
As part of a multimodal approach, practitioners use cupping as a valuable therapeutic intervention. Cupping is most beneficial when used with other treatment methods.
Clinicians mainly use cupping during the recovery phase of treatment (the first stage). The goal during the recovery phase is to decrease pain. This allows the patient to progress into normal range of motion, improved strength, and ultimately improved tolerance to functional activities. Clinicians use cupping with other manual therapy to reduce pain and inflammation and help the patient progress.
Cupping complements, but does not replace, other important aspects of physical therapy, like education and exercises. Once symptoms are under control, the patient will progress into working more on exercise and practicing functional tasks, with less need for hands-on treatment. Clinicians can provide cupping throughout the plan of care as needed if a flare-up occurs, to help with post-workout soreness, or to maintain muscle rest.
By decreasing pain and reducing muscle tension first, cupping can help other physical therapy treatments be more effective and comfortable.
How often do I need cupping, and how many cupping sessions are needed?
Initially, cupping occurs 1-2 times weekly to support muscle recovery. The cup marks will fade between sessions. At Elite Muscle Recovery, we typically see our patients one time per week (though this can vary in certain cases). A cupping course generally lasts at least six weeks. However, patients often notice improvements earlier in the care plan.
A PT can offer maintenance or performance cupping every 2-4 weeks as needed for clients when needed (i.e. people in high stress situations, labor-intensive jobs, long distance runners, athletes, etc).
Practitioners should allow enough time between sessions for the cup marks to fade and to avoid over-stimulation or skin irritation. Overuse of cupping, or not allowing for enough recovery time between visits, can lead to excessive bruising, sensitivity, and fatigue.
Your physical therapist will be reassessing your pain levels, range of motion, and other goals and make sure that you are responding well to cupping throughout your plan of care.
If you would like to be evaluated and learn if cupping is right for you, or if you have any questions, please call or text us! We’d love to help you. ☎️ (423) 228-8120
Elite Muscle Recovery
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