Cupping Therapy – FAQ

Toronto Registered Massage Therapist Sasha Marakuna answers common questions about Cupping Therapy, our newest specialty massage treatment!

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Cupping therapy is an ancient technique that was applied to treat an array of illnesses. Used for centuries, its popularity continues to grow as people seek alternative and natural methods for treatment. Cups are used to suction soft tissue, and it is this vacuum effect, or negative pressure, that produces a therapeutic result. Therapists use cups to distract congested tissue, release trigger point and myofascial restriction, and to reduce pain and stiffness.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy include:

• • Increases circulation
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Increases range of motion
  • Decreases muscle tension
  • Breaks down fascial restrictions, scar tissue and adhesions
  • Encourages healing and immunity
  • Encourages lymph drainage
  • Aids respiratory system 

Cupping Therapy is a useful treatment for a variety of conditions, including:

• Scar tissue
• Contusions
• Tension headaches
• Strains/sprains
• Whiplash
• Edema
• TMJ dysfunction
• Bursitis
• Tendonopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Chronic bronchitis, Asthma
• ITB contracture
• Scoliosis
• Hyperkyphosis/hyperlordosis

FAQ:

1. Is cupping covered by my insurance? At Anatomica, cupping therapy is offered as a Specialty Massage Treatment, and is eligible for reimbursement by plans with Registered Massage Therapy coverage. Direct billing is available on all RMT treatments, including cupping therapy.
2. Is cupping painful?  Your therapist will check in with you throughout the treatment to make sure you are comfortable. You can expect about the same amount of pressure/discomfort as you may feel during a therapeutic Swedish massage therapy treatment.
3. Should I take a shower or bath after a cupping treatment? It’s better to stay away from warm temperatures 2 hours before and 2 hours after the treatment as it can lead to skin damage and inflammation.You can return to all your other regular activities after the treatment. 
4. How long will the cups remain on my body? Therapy includes static placement of the cups and as well dynamic distraction while the therapist moves them around particular areas. Cups shouldn’t stay on one spot longer than 15 min, and can be removed sooner if there is any discomfort. 
5. Does cupping treatment include a regular Swedish massage? Yes, the therapist will also use Swedish techniques before and after the cupping application in order to warm up and flush out the tissue.  You will be comfortably draped by sheets and a blanket throughout.  
6. Are there side effects of cupping? Yes, as with regular massage therapy and other manual treatments, some people may experience such as dizziness or light-headedness following the treatment if blood pressure is low, and there will be round marks on the areas treated. 
7. How long will the marks stay? Cupping leaves red, circular marks that can look like bruises (but are not usually painful) These are caused by the increased circulation that the cups draw into the layers of the skin, and they usually last for around one week, sometimes a bit longer.

Book an RMT Cupping Treatment online!