Like many people who clicked into this article, you might be asking yourself, “What exactly does a cupping massage feel like?” Cupping is a type of massage therapy that decompresses the softer tissues in your body using special suction cups. While this is a bit different from the traditional hands on the back massage, you will still receive similar benefits. Cupping works by having the cups draw your skin and raise the soft tissue up into the cup.
What Does It Feel Like?
Cupping therapy is a sensation that is absolutely worth experiencing! While many people say it feels similar to a massage, other people describe it as an experience unlike any other. First, your practitioner will decide if you need silicone or glass cups. (If you’ve received cupping before, you can always request your preference.) If you’re wondering how many cups we will use on you, that number may vary. If you are new to cupping, we typically use fewer cups. Typically, we can use anywhere from 6 to 20 cups. Once the cups are applied, you can simply close your eyes and let your mind wander. Appointments typically last about 20 minutes. It’s important to make sure you are comfortable during your experience, so never be afraid to speak up to your practitioner and let them know how you feel.
What are the Benefits?
As a traditional therapy cupping, also known as myofascial decompression, is used to treat not only pain but a myriad of health conditions. If you have joint pain, cupping therapy can help you by increasing your blood flow while reducing the tightness in your softer tissues. Additionally, a great number of people find cupping to relieve their neck tension, lower back pain, and even headaches! Myofascial decompression has also been shown to restore range of motion and promote healing to the desired area. Scar tissue reduction is another great attribute that patients have been shown to benefit from through the use of cupping!
What Will I Feel Like After?
Once the cupping massage comes to an end, you will notice dark purple circles on your back but have no fear, the Accucare team is here to explain! These cup-shaped circles just mean that it worked! Most patients describe the feeling of sitting up after the massage as “tranquil” or “serene”. Of course, the feeling that you experience after will vary from patient to patient depending on many factors, such as where you had the treatment on your body, how you felt prior, and what you were hoping to get out of the therapy.
Life is too short to feel uncomfortable. You deserve to live a relaxing, pain-free life. Cupping therapy can bring you closer to that goal. At AccuCare Physical Therapy, we provide comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment programs to the highest standards of rehabilitative care. Our goal is to return patients to an optimal level of activity as quickly and safely as possible. Next time you are considering receiving a cupping massage, head to our Brick, New Jersey facility located at 2211 NJ-88 East.