Cupping

Decompressive myofascial therapy that uses gentle suction to lift and separate tight tissue, increase circulation, and ease stubborn muscle pain.

Massage therapist working on a client's back

Most massage works by pressing into the body. Cupping does the opposite. Silicone or plastic cups create suction on the skin, gently lifting the skin, fascia, and muscle underneath. That lift creates space between layers of tissue that have become stuck together, draws fresh blood flow into the area, and gives tight muscles a different kind of release than pressure alone can provide.

Myofascial cupping is especially useful for areas that stay tight no matter how much you stretch or foam roll, like the upper back, shoulders, low back, hips, and legs. Cups can be left in place on a problem spot or glided across the skin with oil for a sweeping, massage-like release. Many people describe it as a deep pulling sensation that feels surprisingly relieving.

Cupping is a tool, not a stand-alone cure, so it is usually added to a therapeutic massage or recovery session and combined with movement. After the tissue releases, we take advantage of that window with stretches or mobility work so you leave moving better, not just feeling looser for a few hours.

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Types of Cupping

Cupping can be adapted to the area and the goal. These are the approaches used most often.

Static Cupping icon

Static Cupping

Cups are placed on a tight area and left for a few minutes while the suction does the work. Great for focused knots and chronically restricted spots.

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Gliding Cupping icon

Gliding Cupping

With a little oil on the skin, cups are moved along the muscle in long strokes. This covers larger areas like the back and legs and feels like a deep, pulling massage.

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Cupping With Movement icon

Cupping With Movement

Cups are placed and you slowly move the joint underneath through its range of motion, combining tissue release with active movement for shoulders, hips, and knees.

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Sports Recovery Cupping icon

Sports Recovery

Focused work on the muscles you train hardest to help manage soreness and tightness between training sessions, competitions, and races.

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What to Expect

If you have never tried cupping, here is what the experience is like.

A Pulling Sensation icon

Instead of pressure pushing in, you will feel a lifting, pulling sensation. Suction strength is adjusted to what feels productive for you.

A Pulling Sensation

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Short, Targeted Time icon

Cupping is usually 10 to 20 minutes of a session, focused on the areas that need it most, and is often added on to a massage.

Short, Targeted Time

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Temporary Circular Marks icon

Static cups often leave round, red to purple marks. They are not bruises from impact, are not usually painful, and typically fade within a few days to a week.

Temporary Circular Marks

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Hydrate and Move Afterward icon

Drink plenty of water and keep moving gently afterward. Light activity and stretching help your body make the most of the release.

Hydrate & Move Afterward

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Who should consider Cupping

Cupping is a great option when regular massage and stretching have not been enough to release a stubborn area.

If your upper back, shoulders, low back, or hips stay tight no matter what you do, lifting the tissue with cupping can offer a different kind of release than pressure-based work.

Cupping is popular for recovery between hard sessions, helping manage soreness and keep heavily used muscles from getting stuck and limiting your movement.

Because cupping lifts rather than presses, it can reach deep tension without the intensity of heavy deep tissue work, which some people find more comfortable.

Cupping is not used over broken or irritated skin, sunburn, varicose veins, or recent injuries. If you take blood thinners, bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, or have a skin condition, please check with your healthcare provider before booking.

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