Cupping

Cupping therapy is an ancient, time-tested modality that utilizes specialized cups to create a gentle vacuum on the surface of the skin. While traditional massage relies on downward pressure to compress tight tissues, cupping uses negative pressure to pull tissues upward. This unique lifting action decompresses stuck fascial layers, dramatically boosts localized blood flow, and draws stagnant metabolic waste out of tight muscles. Rather than just treating surface tension, cupping targets the root of chronic stiffness to restore fluid mobility and accelerate your body’s natural healing.

Intense athletic training, everyday postural stress, and the physical transitions of motherhood can cause your muscle fibers and the surrounding fascia to become tightly bound, forming painful restrictions and limiting your range of motion. The suction from the cups acts as a deep tissue release, instantly triggering a rush of fresh, oxygenated blood to the targeted areas to repair worn muscles and flush away inflammation. Based on your specific symptoms, we place and gently move targeted cups to release rigid soft tissues, soothe your nervous system, and restore optimal function.

Our Excelsior practice provides this highly effective, restorative therapy in a calm, intentional space, pairing it beautifully with your chiropractic care to help your body feel and perform at its absolute best.

Treatment Types

Targeted Release Session

(15-20 Mins.)

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​Engineered for maximum precision, this session delivers rapid, concentrated therapy to a single problem area. It is the ultimate choice for silencing acute pain, releasing intense muscle tightness, and restoring functional mobility exactly where you need it most.

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(Ex: Quad Strain, IT band, Frozen Shoulder).


Foundation Session

(30-40 Mins.)

 

Engineered for total-body recovery, this session targets major muscle groups to systematically release widespread tension, boost full-body circulation, and completely reset your physical foundation.

(Ex: Entire back)

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Cupping Therapy FAQ

  • Cupping is a time-tested recovery therapy that uses specialized cups to create a gentle vacuum on the skin. While traditional therapies rely on downward pressure to compress tight muscles, cupping does the exact opposite, it uses negative pressure to pull tissues upward.

  • Contrary to appearance, they are not bruises. The suction draws stagnant, deoxygenated blood and metabolic waste out of tight muscles to the surface so your lymphatic system can clear it out. They are completely painless, usually look like pink-to-purple circles, and fade naturally within 3 to 7 days.

  • Cupping usually does not hurt. While the sensation is unique, feeling like a deep, reverse pressure pulling upward on the muscle, most patients find it deeply relaxing and therapeutic. We always communicate with you during the session to ensure the suction level feels comfortable for your body.

  • Yes, but with careful modifications. For pregnant and postpartum moms, cupping is fantastic for relieving the intense upper back, neck, and shoulder tension that comes with carrying and nursing a baby. We never cup the abdomen or lower back during pregnancy, and we tailor the pressure to support your body safely.

  • To get the best results, we recommend following these simple recovery steps:

    • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your lymphatic system flush out the released toxins.

    • Keep warm: Avoid cold drafts, cold swimming pools, or sudden temperature drops on your skin for 24 hours.

    • Light Pink or Faint Marks: This signals excellent local circulation and minimal tissue restriction. Your body is processing the treatment easily and efficiently.

    • Bright Red Marks: This indicates targeted, fresh blood flow rushing to an area of recent inflammation, mild irritation, or acute muscle sensitivity.

    • Dark Red or Deep Purple: This reflects localized tissue stagnation, chronic muscle tightness, or restricted circulation. These are the areas that needed the most attention and deep release.

    • Brownish or Darker Spots: This points to older, deeply ingrained tension patterns and long-standing scar tissue that your body is finally breaking down.

    • No Marks at All: This means your resting circulation in that area is already optimal, or the tissue is completely free of deep restrictions.

    Fun Fact: We typically see fewer or no marks when women are approaching or on their menstrual cycle! Because the body naturally redirects blood flow and energy toward reproductive health during this time, there is less resting fluid retention and stagnant blood available in the superficial muscle layers to leave a mark.