Cupping
What is Cupping?
Cupping, also known as Myofascial Decompression (MFD), is a manual therapy technique that combines the use of soft tissue decompression and movement to restore soft tissue health. Myofascial Decompression improves range of motion, decreases adhesions, reduces pain, and improves nutrient exchange.
Many soft tissue techniques are very compressive, applying tension and downward pressure to achieve the breakup of adhesions. Cupping is the only technique that creates a lifting of the soft tissues as opposed to compression (envision lifting up a piece of glass with a suction cup).
Myofascial Decompression: Not Chinese Medicine Cupping
Though Myofascial Decompression uses decompression similar to the traditional technique of Chinese medicine cupping, the focus for the two techniques is vastly different.
Myofascial Decompression uses movement to release adhesions and improve blood flow to tissues. While Chinese medicine is focused on increasing flow of chi along the meridians and not moving the cupped body part.
How Cupping Works
Many chronic soft tissue problems remain despite stretching and strengthening. Mainly due to a lack of blood flow through the damaged tissues. This is because the tissues are stuck and filled with toxins (e.g., lactic acid) and scar tissue. MRIs have shown that specific movement is key. As the muscles get pulled up into the cup they separate as they move (this is a good thing). Myofascial decompression lifts and separates the tissues allowing increased blood flow and soft tissue healing.
Myofascial decompression works for a wide variety of problems including:
Muscle & Joint Clinic is one of the few certified providers of Myofascial Decompression in Northern California. We have helped many people with what otherwise seemed like incurable ailments.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call our office at 415-488-5372.