Orthopedic injuries can significantly disrupt daily life. While many modern treatments are available, there’s a resurgence of interest in time-tested traditional methods, with cupping therapy emerging as a favorite. At Breakthru Physical Therapy + Fitness in Voorhees Township, NJ, we understand the nuances of orthopedic injuries and the role cupping can play in your physical therapy recovery journey.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping involves using specialized cups, typically made of glass, silicone, or bamboo, placed on the skin to create a vacuum or suction effect. This suction draws the skin and superficial muscle layer upwards, increasing blood flow, tissue relaxation, and pain relief.
Cupping is particularly beneficial in the following ways:
- Alleviating Muscle Stiffness: By promoting blood flow, cupping aids in muscle relaxation, making it easier for patients to engage in therapeutic exercises.
- Reducing Scar Tissue: The suction effect can help break down scar tissue, restoring normal tissue function.
- Enhancing Circulation: Improved blood flow aids in nutrient and oxygen delivery to the affected areas, expediting the healing process.
- Pain Management: Cupping can relieve chronic pain by targeting deep tissues and promoting relaxation.
Cupping’s Role in Orthopedic Recovery
Orthopedic injuries present many challenges, from pain management to mobility restoration. While several treatments focus on symptomatic relief, cupping offers a multifaceted approach to healing by targeting the injury’s outward symptoms and underlying causes.
- Reducing Swelling and Inflammation: Inflammation is a primary reaction to orthopedic injuries. Cupping’s ability to boost circulation can help reduce inflammation and swelling around the injury site.
- Pain Relief: The suction effect of cupping can stimulate the production of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers. This can be especially beneficial for those recovering from painful orthopedic conditions, providing an alternative or supplementary pain relief method to traditional medications.
- Tissue Healing: By enhancing blood flow to the injured area, cupping ensures a steady supply of nutrients essential for tissue repair and healing.
- Flexibility and Mobility Enhancement: Post-injury stiffness is standard, with many patients struggling to regain their full range of motion. Cupping can aid muscle relaxation and elongation, helping restore flexibility and mobility.
While cupping has broad applications, it shows particular promise in treating:
- Muscle Strains: The enhanced blood flow can expedite healing and reduce muscle tightness.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons, such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis, can benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of cupping.
- Post-Surgical Stiffness: After orthopedic surgeries, patients might experience stiffness. Cupping can help break down adhesions and promote mobility.
- Arthritic Conditions: By promoting circulation and reducing inflammation, cupping can offer relief to people with arthritis.
Does Cupping Hurt?
Patients are often curious if cupping is painful. While the sensation might be unusual, it is generally not described as painful. Patients often report a pulling or tightening sensation as the skin is suctioned into the cup. Any discomfort is typically mild and short-lived. The circular marks or bruises left behind post-session are a typical result of the increased blood being drawn to the area, but they are not indicative of pain or injury and usually fade within a few days.
Get Started Today!
Cupping offers a complementary, non-invasive treatment approach for orthopedic injuries. If you’re curious about integrating cupping into your orthopedic recovery regimen, we’re here to guide you, ensuring safety and maximized therapeutic outcomes.
In Voorhees Township, NJ, Breakthru Physical Therapy + Fitness offers expert physical therapy services at two convenient locations: Voorhees (Cooper Rd) and Voorhees (REC). To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 856.677.5727 (Cooper Rd) or 856.782.9800 (REC, Haddonfield-Berlin Rd).
