Are you an active man or woman over 40 looking for a quick fix to sore muscles? If so, you might be interested in cupping. Cupping is an ancient practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum. This vacuum stimulates blood flow and can help with a variety of conditions, including sore muscles and joint pain. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of cupping and why it might be worth considering.
Benefit #1: Increased Blood Flow
One of the main benefits of cupping is that it increases blood flow. When the cups are placed on the skin, they create a vacuum that pulls the skin and underlying tissues up into the cup. This vacuum stimulates blood flow to the area, which can help with muscle recovery and reduce pain.
In a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, researchers found that cupping increased blood flow to the skin and muscles. This increased blood flow can help to speed up the healing process and reduce muscle soreness.
Benefit #2: Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
Another benefit of cupping is that it can help to break up scar tissue and adhesions. Scar tissue and adhesions can limit range of motion and cause pain. Cupping can help to loosen these tissues, improving flexibility and range of motion.
In a study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, researchers found that cupping was effective in improving shoulder range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder. The researchers concluded that cupping could be a safe and effective treatment option for frozen shoulder.
Benefit #3: Boosted Immune System
Cupping can also boost your immune system. When the cups are placed on the skin, they create a vacuum that stimulates the production of white blood cells. White blood cells are an important part of the immune system and help to fight off infections and diseases.
In a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, researchers found that cupping increased the production of white blood cells in patients with cancer. The researchers concluded that cupping could be a useful complementary therapy for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Benefit #4: Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is a common problem in many conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia. Cupping can help to reduce inflammation by stimulating blood flow and releasing tension in the muscles.
In a study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, researchers found that cupping was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The researchers concluded that cupping could be a useful treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Benefit #5: Improved Sleep
Cupping can also improve your sleep. When the cups are placed on the skin, they create a vacuum that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This can help to improve the quality of your sleep and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
In a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, researchers found that cupping was effective in improving sleep quality in patients with insomnia. The researchers concluded that cupping could be a useful treatment option for patients with insomnia.
Benefit #6: Alternative to Medications or Surgery
Finally, cupping can be a great alternative to medications or surgery for some conditions. Cupping is a non-invasive and relatively affordable treatment option compared to some other therapies. Plus, the benefits can be long-lasting, which means you may need fewer treatments in the long run.
In a study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, researchers found that cupping was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers concluded that cupping could be a useful treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain who were looking for a non-invasive alternative to medications or surgery.
Overall, cupping has a variety of benefits that can help active or athletic men and women over 40 with sore muscles and joint pain. Whether you're recovering from an injury or looking for a way to improve your performance, cupping might be worth considering.
If you're interested in trying cupping, it's important to work with a qualified physical therapist who can guide you through the process. Cupping should not be done on your own, as it can be dangerous if not done properly.
In addition, it's important to keep in mind that cupping is not a cure-all for every condition. It's important to work with a healthcare professional like Next Level Physio to determine if cupping is a safe and effective treatment option for your specific condition.
In conclusion, cupping is a safe and effective treatment option for active or athletic men and women over 40 who are looking for a quick fix to sore muscles and joint pain. Whether you're dealing with an injury or just looking to improve your performance, cupping might be worth considering.
Cupping therapy is part of our ReGen Physio Program at Next Level Physio, which also includes dry needling, Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT), shockwave and cold laser.
Contact us at Bergen County & Woodcliff Lake, NJ Center, and schedule an appointment to determine if you’re the right candidate for cupping therapy. Our adept and experienced therapists will conduct a thorough assessment tailored to your needs and condition
References:
- Ahmadi A, Schwebel DC, Rezaei M. The efficacy of wet cupping in the treatment of tension and migraine headache. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(1):37-44. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X08005518.
- Cao H, Li X, Liu J. An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e31793. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031793.
- Kim JI, Lee MS, Lee DH, Boddy K, Ernst E. Cupping for treating pain: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:467014. doi: 10.1155/2011/467014.