What is it?
Myofascial Decompression (MFD) or cupping is a unique physical therapy techique used to treat muscle, soft-tissue, scar tissue, peripheral nerve dysfunction, and improve scar mobility. It is the only manual therapy technique that works by lifting muscles and soft-tissues rather than compressing them. We pair this with movement training to decrease pain/muscle soreness, increase range of motion, and improve movement efficiency.
One of its greatest uses is in relaxing overactive muscles and aiding in trigger point management by stimulating blood flow and nutrient exchange to local tissues.
Types of Cupping
Recovery - use of gentle pressure in the cups to “flush” muscles and improve lymphatic drainage. This can help with recovery following an intense workout.
Gliding - with the use of a lubricant, cups are glided across the skin to allow for a wide area of treatment, typically to increase circulation in a specific path, such as around a peripheral nerve or along a specific muscle or muscle group.
Dynamic - cups are placed strategically over targeted areas to create a more focused treatment. The cups do not move on the skin and the individual is taken through a variety of unique passive and/or active movements. The cups remain on the body anywhere from 3-5 minutes depending on the specific injury.
What to Expect
Patients typically feel relief in muscle tension immediately following cup removal, which can last weeks. You are likely to get the classic circular bruises (like the swimmers in the Olympics) where the cups were placed. These bruises fade 1-2 weeks following treatment. There is minimal discomfort with cupping and it is usually described as a mild pinching. There is a possibility of mild soreness around the bruises, which only lasts a day or two.