Cupping

Functional release cupping is the integration of western myofascial cupping with passive and active movements. Static and dynamic cupping uses natural and sports/occupational specific movement.  Cupping Stimulates the Ruffini Nerves which further stimulates the mechanoreceptors in the fascia.

Ruffini Nerves are best stimulated by slow, deep pressure techniques with multi-directional Forces. Mechanoreceptors affect the autonomic nervous system and result in lowering the sympathetic nervous tone. Strong facial manipulation can lead to the interstitial nerve fibres causing Plasma extravasation.  This response causes the “Swollen” response to cupping.

Why Functional Release cupping?

Because cupping produces the “slow and deep pressure” required to stimulate the ruffini nerve ending, causing the production of Plasma. It also improves the Nutrient supply and decreases acidity in the muscle tissue, which then reduces the pain (tissue acidity = Pain).

There are 3 phases to Functional cupping.

Phase one: Local dynamic cupping (passive)

Dynamic cupping is when the cups are stationary on the affected area. Then after a few minutes, other techniques can be used like sliding (moving cups along the length of the muscle fibres), passive movement or both.

Phase two: Unloaded (Active)

Non – weight-bearing active movements. With the cups stationary on the affected area.

E.g patient does gentle stretching while lying or sitting. The stretching would be specific to the area the cups are on.

Phase Three: Loaded (active)

Weight-bearing, Patient-specific functional movement. The movement can cause change as the myofascia “unwinds”.  With cups stationary on affected areas

E.g patient does active movements like standing and touching toes/reaching to the floor, with cups on the lower back.

Is it a mark or a bruise?

The pressure difference between the skin surface and underlying blood vessel (produced by cupping) creates local vasodilation producing hyperemia (excess of blood in the vessels supplying an organ or other part of the body like muscles). Increased local blood flow can reduce tissue ischemia leading to reduce Pain due to decreasing pH levels in the body. The Extra blood gives the appearance of a bruise but the difference is there is no non-vascular tissue damage. And this is where we refer to this as a mark, not a bruise.

Benefits of Cupping

• Improved autonomic nervous system response
• Reduced Pain
• Reduced fear of movement
• Cellular changes
• Central nervous system changes
• Progression from passive to active movement
• Improved local Capillary Dilation
• Goal focus and encouraged movement

So what are you waiting for, when in your next massage see if cupping is suitable for you.

Give us a call today on 9583 5200 to book an appointment or book online now.

Written by Emily Schofield, Remedial Massage Therapist.