Myofascial Cupping for Athletes
Rise in Popularity with Elite Athletes
Cupping therapy is has definitely become popular among athletes in the last few years – ever since we saw numerous athletes from the Olympics in Rio 2016 covered in pink and purple circles. Top athletes such as swimmer Michael Phelps and gymnast Alex Naddour were utilizing cupping therapy for recovery, pain relief, and to boost their performances. Keenan Robinson, a strength and conditioning coach, introduced Michael Phelps to cupping after seeing Chinese physical therapists using it at the Pan Pacific Championships to facilitate recovery in their athletes. This truly set in motion a chain of events that made the Asian tradition of cupping a popular therapy among Olympic athletes, their trainers and physical therapists.
Mechanism
Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that encourages healing in strained, damaged, or recovering tissue. Negative pressure, or suction, on the skin is produced by means of silicone or plastic cups - traditionally glass, stoneware, bamboo, horn, and even brass were used. The suction of the cups lifts up the tissue, allowing adhesions or scar tissue to break up between tissue layers, fascial tissue to unwind and release restrictions, fresh blood/oxygen/nutrients to enter the tissue, and waste products to leave the tissue. Increasing local blood circulation promotes cellular repair, improves immunity and decreases pain.
Styles of Cupping
In my service menu, I offer two different massage enhancement options for cupping – myofascial cupping and Chinese cupping. I use silicone or plastic cups in for myofascial cupping, which allow for very precise placement and suction pressure control. The silicone cups have an additional benefit of being able to be placed over body joints without losing their suction, as their material is flexible and can contour to the body. Because of this, I often use these cups, along with assisted stretching, to dramatically improve client range of motion. For the Chinese cupping enhancement - also known as “fire cupping” - I use traditional glass cups. To create suction in these cups, I use a “torch”, which is a ball of cotton, firmly attached to a metal stick, that is lit on fire, then inserted into the cup to create a vacuum. Don’t worry – an experienced provider can safely use the “fire cupping” method without burns or damage. I have been practicing this method since I began massage school in 2009, so I am very confident in my technique and take all safety precautions necessary to ensure an effective and safe treatment. I use this style of cupping for general wellness massage, although there are still times it is indicated for a specific issue an athlete client is experiencing. A responsive massage therapist is an effective massage therapist, after all.
Integration into Massage Treatments
A myofascial cupping treatment uses a combination of massage, assisted stretching, and cupping to manipulate, lift, separate, and stretch underlying soft tissues. Areas of fascial or musculoskeletal tension are located using massage techniques, then cups are applied on the affected area. The cups may be left in a stationary position for a few minutes – this is effective over a fascial adhesion or trigger point. They may also be moved over or around the affected area to perform cross-fiber friction, increase circulation, or release the fascia. The treatment should not be painful. The most discomfort should be equivalent to a really deep stretch.
Benefits for Athletes
- Breaks up scar tissue build up from previous injuries
- Reduces localized inflammation and aids in recovery by increasing nutrient rich blood to the injured area
- Puts a passive stretch on soft tissue
- Increases joint range of motion
- Reduces muscle tension
- General pain relief and increase of circulation.
- Drain lymph and cellular debris
- Separate layers of connective tissue to bring hydration and blood flow to body tissue
- Relieve deep muscular issues and reduce muscle spasms
- Lift and stretch soft tissue to separate fascial restrictions
- Increase range of motion and flexibility in joints.
- Scar tissue post-surgical
- Reduce plantar fascia or plantar foot pain
Conclusion
The great news is that you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy the benefits of myofascial cupping in your wellness routine! When you book your next ZenLife massage, choose the Myofascial Cupping or Chinese “Fire” Cupping Enhancements to take your therapeutic or wellness massage to the next level.