Cupping Therapy
Fort Lauderdale
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping also known as myofascial decompression is a therapy that helps treat musculoskeletal disorders by using suction to create negative pressure underneath the cup. Dr. Christiana Marron prefers the traditional use of glass fire cups as they create a stronger pressurized system to help with blood and lymphatic flow.
The negative pressure helps to decompress the area by lifting the skin and the layer of tissue underneath the skin, the fascia, up into the cup. This creates space for the underlying tight muscle to lay down and relax. Cupping also helps bring blood flow to the area in need. Blood carries important nutrients which help with tissue healing. Cupping provides a lymphatic pumping mechanism to allow tissue to move better and more efficiently. Dr. Christiana Marron uses myofascial decompression to address compensatory movement patterns. This is done by adding movement with treatment. Movement can be in the form of sliding the cups over the necessary tissue or leaving the cups static while moving body parts. This also helps the body relax and prepare for any other manual therapies that may be too sensitive to start off with. Cupping allows an overall relaxation of the tissue and nervous system.
How Do You Prepare For Cupping?
In order to prepare for myofascial decompression, make sure the affected area you would like treated can be easily exposed by bringing appropriate clothing. This may include shorts for the lower half and a sports bra for the upper body. Be prepared to see some bruising on your skin as this is common since cupping facilitates blood flow. If you have an event coming up or do not want bruises on your skin let your Dr. Marron know ahead of time.
Why Is Cupping Done?
Myofascial decompression is performed to treat musculoskeletal disorders and to correct movement patterns that may cause pain or tightness. It is used to address any myofascial or soft tissue dysfunction or restriction, break up scar tissue adhesions, reduce scar tissue formation, increase blood flow to healing areas and to release trigger points.
What Can You Expect During Myofascial Decopression?
During myofascial decompression Dr. Marron will most likely have you lie on your back, stomach or side depending on the area being treated. Sometimes people experience a “pinching” when the cups are first placed on the body. Most describe this as a strong pressure. The pressure can always be adjusted so if it feels too tight let Dr. Marron know. Depending on the goal of treatment your therapist may have you move into certain positions or perform certain exercises with the cups on. Lotion/oil is used underneath the cups to facilitate smooth movement and minimize any discomfort.
What Is The Follow Up And Recovery Like For Myofascial Decompression?
After treatment, you may have some bruising on your skin. The severity of these bruises’ ranges from light pink to purple. The color of the bruises depends on how tight the underlying tissue is and how long the cups are left on the skin. You also may feel some soreness, especially over the darker bruises. Soreness can last up to 24 hours, but the bruises may last up to a week. Icing is not recommended for up to an hour after as cold constricts blood vessels, the opposite of what cupping is intended to do.
