What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a soft tissue technique that involves placing specialised cups on the skin to create gentle suction. At JB Essential Wellbeing in Kilmore, cupping therapy may be incorporated into an individualised management plan following a thorough assessment, where clinically appropriate.

The suction created by the cups is intended to influence the underlying soft tissues and may be used alongside chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, dry needling and exercise advice as part of a patient-focused approach to musculoskeletal care. The suitability of cupping therapy is determined on an individual basis and discussed with you before treatment.

 

How does cupping therapy work?

Cupping therapy uses specialised cups to create a controlled suction between the cup and the skin. Depending on your individual assessment and management plan, your chiropractor may use either stationary cups or gently move the cups over an area after applying a suitable massage medium.

The amount of suction, the number of cups used and the duration of treatment are tailored to each individual. Cupping therapy may be incorporated with other manual therapy techniques where appropriate as part of an overall management plan.

 

 

What Happens During a Cupping Therapy Appointment?

Before any treatment, your chiropractor will complete an assessment, discuss your health history and determine whether cupping therapy may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

If cupping therapy is included as part of your care, specialised cups will be applied to selected areas of the body using gentle suction. The number of cups, the amount of suction and the length of time the cups remain in place will depend on your individual assessment and treatment plan.

Cupping therapy may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, dry needling and movement advice where appropriate.

Your chiropractor will explain the procedure, discuss any potential risks and obtain your informed consent before treatment begins.

 

 

What might I experience during or after cupping therapy?

People experience cupping therapy differently. During treatment, many people describe a feeling of gentle pulling or pressure where the cups are applied.

It is common for temporary circular marks or skin discolouration to develop following treatment. These marks vary in appearance between individuals and typically fade over several days to two weeks. Some people may also experience temporary tenderness in the treated area.

Your chiropractor will discuss what you may expect before treatment and provide aftercare advice that is appropriate for you.

 

Is Cupping Therapy Suitable for Everyone?

Cupping therapy is not suitable for everyone. Before recommending this technique, your chiropractor will complete a thorough assessment and discuss your health history to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Cupping therapy may not be recommended in certain situations, including over broken or infected skin, areas of acute skin irritation, or where other clinical considerations make the technique unsuitable. Your chiropractor will discuss any precautions, potential risks and alternative management options with you before treatment.

 

When Might Cupping Therapy Be Considered?

Following a thorough assessment, cupping therapy may be incorporated into an individualised management plan for some musculoskeletal presentations, including:

-Neck pain and associated muscle tension

-Upper back muscle tension

-Lower back pain

-Shoulder muscle tension

-Hip and gluteal muscle tightness

-Muscle tightness associated with sporting or recreational activities

-Myofascial soft tissue tension

-Calf and hamstring muscle tightness

-General musculoskeletal stiffness where clinically appropriate

Not everyone is suitable for cupping therapy, and this technique is not appropriate for every presentation. Your chiropractor will determine whether cupping therapy may be suitable following an assessment and discussion of your individual needs and preferences.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cupping therapy hurt?

Most people describe cupping therapy as a sensation of gentle pulling or pressure rather than pain. The amount of suction can be adjusted to suit your comfort.

 

Why do circular marks appear after cupping?

The temporary marks are a common response to the suction created by the cups. They are not bruises in the traditional sense and usually fade gradually over several days to two weeks.

 

Are the cups sterile?

Yes. Cups are cleaned and disinfected in accordance with infection prevention and control procedures before each use.

 

Can cupping therapy be combined with chiropractic care?

Yes. Where clinically appropriate, cupping therapy may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, dry needling and exercise advice as part of an individualised management plan.

 

How long does a cupping therapy appointment take?

The time allocated for cupping therapy depends on your assessment and whether it is incorporated into a broader chiropractic appointment. Your chiropractor will discuss your treatment plan with you during your consultation.

 

Is cupping therapy suitable during pregnancy?

Whether cupping therapy is appropriate during pregnancy depends on the individual and the stage of pregnancy. Your chiropractor will discuss your health history and determine whether this technique is suitable for your circumstances.

 

Why choose JB Essential Wellbeing in Kilmore?

At JB Essential Wellbeing, every patient begins with a thorough assessment to help guide an individualised approach to care. Where appropriate, cupping therapy may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care, dry needling, soft tissue therapy and movement advice as part of a management plan tailored to your needs and goals.

With more than 16 years of clinical experience, Dr Jennifer Barker (Chiropractor) provides care for people of all ages from Kilmore and surrounding communities, including Broadford, Wallan, Seymour, Wandong, Lancefield and Beveridge.

Our focus is on providing professional, patient-centred care in a welcoming environment, with time taken to explainyour assessment findings, discuss suitable management options and answer any questions you may have before treatment.

 

Evidence-Informed Care – Cupping Therapy

Research into cupping therapy is continuing to develop. Studies have investigated its use as a complementary manual therapy for a range of musculoskeletal presentations, although the quality of evidence varies and further high-quality research is required.

At JB Essential Wellbeing, cupping therapy may be incorporated into an individualised chiropractic management plan following a thorough assessment, where clinically appropriate. It is commonly used alongside other manual therapy techniques, rehabilitation exercises and movement advice.

Your chiropractor will discuss whether cupping therapy is suitable for your presentation and answer any questions before treatment.

 

Further Reading

-Al-Bedah, A. M. N., Elsubai, I. S., & Alqahtani, M. S. (2022). Evidence-based and adverse-effects analyses of cupping therapy in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation: A systematic and evidence-based review. Physical Therapy in Sport, 56, 12-23.

-Cao H, Li X, Yan X, Wang NS, Bensoussan A. Cupping Therapy for Acute and Chronic Pain Management: A Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

-Wang, Y., & Zhang, L. (2024). The effectiveness of cupping therapy on low back pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 37(1), 1-12.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Cupping.

Kim JI, Lee MS, Lee DH, Boddy K, Ernst E. Cupping for Treating Pain: A Systematic Review.

-Al-Bedah, A. M. N., et al. (2018). The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 9(2), 90-97.