Cupping is an alternative form of treatment that involves a practitioner using heated cups on a specific area of an individual’s body. These heated cups are left on the body to create a suctioning effect on the skin and muscles. This is a technique that is often used by physical therapists to help their patients manage a variety of conditions. During the cupping process, the cup is heated and then placed onto the skin for a few minutes. While the heated cup cools, a vacuuming effect is created that suctions the skin and muscles up into the cup. 

The effectiveness of cupping is controversial in the medical world. There isn’t enough research to support the idea that it’s very effective other than by placebo. However, there are a few studies that suggest it could be and even more loyal supporters of cupping who insist it works. If you want to find out more about cupping and why it could be a good treatment for your shoulder pain, keep reading the sections below.

What can cupping be used to treat?

• Arthritis.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• High blood pressure.
• Shoulder pain.
• Back pain.
• Migraines and tension headaches.

These are just some of the conditions that cupping can be used to treat. If you struggle with one of these, you may want to consider cupping to help you manage your symptoms. 

What are the benefits of cupping?

Though there is not enough evidence to thoroughly support the idea that cupping has any significant benefits, some adamantly believe that it’s useful for the following reasons.

• Boosting circulation — One of the first reported benefits of cupping is that it can promote circulation to a targeted area.
• Reducing muscle tension — Another reported benefit of cupping is that it releases muscle tension.
• Encouraging tissue repair— If cupping does boost circulation, it likely also encourages the repair of damaged tissue.
• Relieving pain — Cupping has the potential to provide some pain relief, due to its circulation-boosting and muscle-relaxing properties.
• Improving range of motion — It’s also said that cupping can improve limited range of motion as a result of tissue repair and muscle relaxing.

Why is cupping a good treatment for shoulder pain?

Cupping might be helpful for some people who struggle with shoulder pain. The extent of its benefits depends on the condition causing shoulder pain, but generally, it may be beneficial. It can increase circulation around the area of pain and inflammation, which encourages the healing of any injury there, and it can help reduce tension built up in the muscles. Cupping is a treatment method that is most likely to be effective for managing shoulder pain when used in conjunction with other treatments.

What are some other types of treatment for shoulder pain besides cupping?

The best kind of treatment for your pain really depends on what the cause of your shoulder pain is. You should visit with a physician or physical therapist for help determining what the root of your pain might be. From there, you can determine together which treatment you’d most likely benefit from.

• Physical therapy — Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatment options available for patients who have shoulder pain. A physical therapist will usually be able to address the root of your pain by listening to you describe symptoms. From there, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan that’s specially designed to minimize your shoulder pain. It will likely also improve your range of motion and muscle strength. The goal of the physical therapist is to improve your quality of life by managing pain and improving your physical condition enough so you can avoid future issues.
• Anti-inflammatory medication — Anti-inflammatory medication is an option for those who want a fast, temporary pain relief solution. This medication may reduce some inflammation and block pain for a few hours at a time. But unless your shoulder pain is addressed, it’s likely to come back.
• Corticosteroid injections — Corticosteroid injections are a type of steroid administered into an area of inflammation with the goal of reducing some of the inflammation and pain. These injections don’t last forever, so it may be necessary to get multiple injections to keep the pain and inflammation at bay if the root of the problem is not addressed.
• Surgery — Surgery is the least conservative of all the treatment options listed above. It’s usually recommended only after a patient’s pain does not respond to some of the less conservative options.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PTs who can perform cupping on you for you shoulder pain

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address your shoulder pain via cupping. We can connect you with compassionate and experienced therapists who can provide you with this treatment and answer any questions or concerns about cupping that you have.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!