Cupping


Cupping therapy is a hands-on treatment used to reduce muscle tightness, improve tissue mobility, and support recovery from physical stress. At Osteopractic Physical Therapy of the Carolinas, cupping is used as part of a comprehensive physical therapy approach — guided by movement assessment and clinical reasoning, not trends.

Patients often seek cupping when they feel restricted, tight, or sore despite stretching, exercise, or other treatments.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create negative pressure. This gentle suction lifts the underlying tissues rather than compressing them. With cupping, you are getting a type of force that the tissues rarely get which can equal RELIEF! The cups can be left in place (static cupping) for a specified time or movement can be added, which we call dynamic cupping. With dynamic cupping, the cups can be moved around on the skin or your therapist can direct you to move in specific ways while the cups are on making this a very versatile modality when paired with other types of treatments.

Cupping may help:

  • Improve soft tissue mobility

  • Reduce muscle tightness

  • Increase local blood flow

  • Improve movement tolerance

  • Change how the body is processing pain

Cupping is not intended to “pull toxins” or serve as a standalone treatment — it is used intentionally to improve tissue movement.

When Is Cupping Used in Physical Therapy?

Cupping is commonly used when soft tissue restriction contributes to discomfort or limited movement, including:

  • Chronic muscle tightness

  • Shoulder and upper back stiffness

  • Hip or gluteal tightness

  • Areas that feel restricted despite stretching

  • Post-training or post-work soreness

Cupping is not used for everyone and is applied selectively based on your presentation.

How OPTC Uses Cupping Differently

At OPTC, cupping is:

  • Used alongside manual therapy and movement assessment

  • Applied dynamically when appropriate (not just static cups)

  • Combined with corrective movement to maintain results

  • Chosen based on tissue response, not routine

This approach helps improvements translate into better movement — not just temporary relief.

What Does Cupping Feel Like?

Patients often describe cupping as:

  • A pulling or stretching sensation

  • Pressure without pain

  • Temporary skin discoloration that fades over time

Your physical therapist will explain what to expect and adjust treatment to your comfort level.

Conditions That Often Benefit From Cupping

Cupping is often used as part of treatment for:

  • Chronic Muscle Tightness

  • Neck Pain

  • Shoulder Pain

  • Hip Pain & Stiffness

  • Back Pain

Not Sure If Cupping Is Right for You?

Cupping is one of several tools used to improve tissue mobility and movement quality.

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