CUPPING
At Croydon Physio, we use cupping therapy as an adjunct treatment to help reduce muscle tension, improve movement, and support recovery from pain and injury. Cupping is often used alongside hands-on physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and education to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
What is Cupping?
Cupping therapy involves placing specially designed cups on the skin to create gentle suction. This suction lifts the underlying soft tissue, helping to reduce muscle tightness, encourage blood flow and improve tissue mobility.
Unlike massage, which applies pressure down into the muscles, cupping gently lifts the tissues. Many patients find this provides relief from areas of stiffness or tightness that can be difficult to address with other techniques.
What Can Cupping Help With?
Cupping therapy may assist with a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Muscle tightness and stiffness
Neck and shoulder pain
Back pain
Sports injuries
Muscle strains
Overuse injuries
Post-exercise recovery
Reduced mobility or flexibility
Myofascial pain and trigger points
Your physiotherapist will assess whether cupping is appropriate for your individual condition and incorporate it into your personalised treatment plan where beneficial.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
During treatment, the cups create a gentle pulling sensation on the skin. Most people find the treatment comfortable and relaxing. The cups may remain in place for several minutes or be gently moved across the skin depending on your treatment goals.
After treatment, it is common to notice circular marks on the skin where the cups were placed. These are not bruises and are simply a temporary response to the suction. They are usually painless and typically fade within several days to two weeks.
Is Cupping Safe?
When performed by a qualified physiotherapist, cupping therapy is a safe treatment option for many people. Before treatment, your physiotherapist will discuss your medical history and determine whether cupping is suitable for you.
Cupping may not be appropriate for everyone, including people with certain skin conditions, bleeding disorders, those taking some blood-thinning medications, or over areas of broken or infected skin.
Why Choose Croydon Physio for Cupping?
Our experienced physiotherapists use cupping as part of an evidence-informed, personalised approach to treatment. Rather than relying on passive therapies alone, we combine cupping with thorough assessment, hands-on treatment, targeted exercises and practical advice to address the underlying cause of your symptoms and help you move with confidence.