If you experience persistent pain for more than three months, then you can be diagnosed with chronic pain. This pain can be debilitating and can interfere with your quality of life, regardless of the area of the body it’s stemming from. But you’re not alone. In fact, chronic pain affects more than 50 million adults in the U.S., which adds up to more than 20% of the population. The good news is that there’s an alternative healing technique that can help.
Cupping therapy is a common technique used by physical therapists to alleviate the pain that comes from a variety of medical conditions. Cupping therapy has been used for centuries, with history tracing back all the way to 1550 BCE.
At REPAIR SI, we use cupping therapy to reduce your pain and improve your mobility so that you can get back to your daily routines.
The Basics of Cupping Therapy
While many physical therapy techniques are completed solely by the therapist’s hands, sometimes additional tools or modalities can ensure that you’re getting the best results possible.
Cupping therapy utilizes vacuum suction to alleviate pain, inflammation and tightness that can stem from trigger points throughout the body. The physical therapist will place suction cups, which are usually made of glass or plastic, on the affected areas. The cup is heated up before it’s placed on the skin, and a vacuum effect occurs as it cools down. The suctioning will compress the tissue and muscles to increase blood circulation. By boosting the blood flow, important nutrients are brought to the area to provoke the healing process.
Cupping therapy can treat a variety of conditions and injuries that cause pain, including:
- Arthritis.
- Herniated discs.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Headaches.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains, strains).
Benefits of cupping therapy include:
- Alleviating painful scar tissue.
- Improving blood flow.
- Increasing range of motion.
- Removing toxins.
- Helping tissue repair.
Many patients report feeling immediate relief following a cupping therapy session, as well as feeling relaxed by the technique. Cupping is a pain management option recommended by many physical therapists, especially when it’s combined with other treatment options.
An appointment for cupping therapy can last up to 30 minutes, and it’s recommended that people have multiple sessions to help with the efficacy.
REPAIR SI Can Provide Cupping Therapy for Your Chronic Pain
Cupping therapy is an alternative medicine that can help bring you some relief from chronic pain that’s preventing you from enjoying simple everyday tasks like taking a walk in the park. Our goal at REPAIR SI is to reduce your aches and increase your mobility so that you can get back to your normal activities. If you’re interested in experiencing the many benefits of cupping therapy for yourself, be sure to give us a call.
When you’re struggling with persistent or worsening pain from a medical condition, cupping therapy should be a treatment option that you explore. Reach out to our team today for more information or schedule an initial appointment to get started with cupping therapy.