Suction cups applied to the skin to lift fascia, release tight muscle layers and increase local circulation.
Cupping therapy uses suction cups to decompress soft tissue, the opposite of the compression used in massage. The negative pressure lifts skin and fascia away from the underlying muscle, opening up restricted layers, pulling fresh blood into the area and helping us release tissue that hands alone can't reach.
What it's good for
- Stubborn muscular tightness in the back, shoulders and glutes that's resisted hands-on work
- Fascial restrictions post-surgery or post-injury
- Sports recovery, especially for endurance athletes and lifters
- Tension headaches with upper-back and neck involvement
What to expect
We typically combine cupping with osteopathy or sports massage in the same session. The cups stay on the skin for 5–15 minutes, either stationary or moved along the tissue with oil ("gliding cupping"). It's not painful, most patients describe it as a deep, pulling stretch. You may see circular marks for a few days afterwards, this is bruise-like discolouration from increased local blood flow, not damage.
Who it's not for
We avoid cupping over fresh wounds, on patients on blood-thinners, or in areas of skin infection. We'll always check before we start.
