Study review: the effects of cupping on trigger points
Can cupping be an effective alternative treatment for trigger points? This study set out to determine that by focusing on the very common trigger points in the descending portion of the upper trapezius. In a small study of 25 participants, the effects of cupping were compared to that of ischemic compression (pressing and holding the point until it releases), as well as no intervention. Each participant was involved in three tests with a period of at least 1 week between.
The cupping was performed with the participant lying prone on a couch (I would have elected for a proper treatment table to allow for correct and neutral head and neck positioning). A plastic cup was applied to a pre-marked trigger point (located with palpation). This was a stationary application of the cup with medium pressure (I would have liked to know how many pumps were used to achieve the medium pressure), which were left on for two minutes. This treatment was applied bilaterally and measurements were taken before the cupping application and two minutes after the therapy.
The primary outcome measurements were a pain-pressure threshold test (PPT - the study explains the method well), a cervical spine mobility test.
Results? Unfortunately, none are available (incomplete study linked below). It’s disappointing, because it does appear to be a very well planned study. I personally don’t feel there would be much difference in the effects of ischemic pressure and stationary cupping, however I believe they would prove to be equally effective in reducing pain and improving mobility in the participants. I would like to see a similar study performed that compares stationary cupping to cupping with ROM/loading. Specific exercises/movements could be performed with the cups on, recorded, and repeated if necessary.
It is difficult to study massage and bodywork techniques because there are SO MANY factors that play into how effective the session is for the client. This being said, we need more studies on how these alternative forms of treatment can help people in pain, especially since it means relief without pharmaceuticals.
Read the full study here: https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S2095754814000040?token=8F9794400CFE5B2DAE302211AFFEB714AB35E4B7C86DE88445966E2688B7D527E009ADD9CCB0CFC119618E1342D073E2&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20220828191129
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095754814000040?via%3Dihub
