Cupping therapy is a treatment in which suction is placed on localized areas of the skin to increase circulation. The practice has been around for centuries, dating back to Ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures. During a session, the practitioner places either heated glass cups or plastic air pumps on the area of the body in which the patient is experiencing discomfort. It is a noninvasive and painless process and one that can especially benefit athletes and their sore muscles. Below are a few ways that this practice can relieve pain in those who play sports. 

How Can Cupping Help Athletes? 

1. Ease Pain

Athletes put their bodies through a lot, which can result in significant aches and pains. Studies suggest that cupping therapy helps decrease pain levels. Though the exact mechanism of pain relief offered by cupping is not entirely understood, research indicates it likely has something to do with changes in the interactions of the body's nerve, chemical, and muscle pathways.

2. Speed Recovery

Intensive training regimens don't leave much room for downtime, but that's just what an injured athlete needs to recover. Cupping can speed recovery and get an athlete back in play much faster. The increased circulation to the affected area is thought to prevent blood from stagnating, and with more blood flow, recovery may come about quicker.

3. Improve Performance

Cupping can help maintain athletic conditioning and improve or preserve one's performance levels. The negative pressure of the cup lifts tissues upward and releases tension in that part of the body. This is without the force of compressing tissues, muscles, and joints downward, which is what happens with a massage. A loosened body is often more equipped to meet the demands of an athlete's rigorous training, and it is easier to integrate this conditioning into one's overall performance.

If you’re an athlete, you should consider making cupping therapy a part of your health and fitness routine. It is one of the therapies offered by Marie Gonzales, L.Ac., a health and wellness professional who has been serving the Nyack, NY, area for over 20 years. She also provides acupuncture and ionic foot detox services for pain and muscle relief. Schedule an appointment by calling (845) 398-1312. Visit her website for more information on her services.