Evidence-Informed Cupping with Erin Wagner, RMT
Sometimes hands-on massage is only one way to work with sore, tight or sensitive tissue.
Erin Wagner, Registered Massage Therapist at Mecca Massage Therapy Clinic in Regina, incorporates evidence-informed cupping therapy into massage treatment when it's appropriate for the person in front of her.
Erin Wagner, Registered Massage Therapist at Mecca Massage Therapy Clinic in Regina, incorporates evidence-informed cupping therapy into massage treatment when it's appropriate for the person in front of her.
Cupping uses negative pressure, or suction, rather than the compressive pressure typically used during massage therapy.
For some clients, that simply feels better.
For others, cupping provides another way to work with areas of muscular discomfort, tension and restricted movement as part of a broader massage therapy treatment.
Erin's approach isn't about putting as many cups as possible soon the body or leaving dramatic marks behind.
It's about choosing the right tool, at the right intensity, for the right person.
CURIOUS ABOUT CUPPING?
For some clients, that simply feels better.
For others, cupping provides another way to work with areas of muscular discomfort, tension and restricted movement as part of a broader massage therapy treatment.
Erin's approach isn't about putting as many cups as possible soon the body or leaving dramatic marks behind.
It's about choosing the right tool, at the right intensity, for the right person.
CURIOUS ABOUT CUPPING?
WHAT IS CUPPING THERAPY?
Cupping therapy uses specialized cups to create controlled negative pressure against the skin.
Traditional massage generally applies pressure into the body's tissues. Cupping changes that mechanical input by creating suction at the skin's surface.
Cups can be used in different ways depending on the treatment goals and the client's comfort.
They may remain relatively stationary for a period of time or be incorporated into the movement and massage techniques.
Erin uses cupping as a therapeutic tool within an individualized massage treatment, rather than treating cupping as a one size fits all service.
Traditional massage generally applies pressure into the body's tissues. Cupping changes that mechanical input by creating suction at the skin's surface.
Cups can be used in different ways depending on the treatment goals and the client's comfort.
They may remain relatively stationary for a period of time or be incorporated into the movement and massage techniques.
Erin uses cupping as a therapeutic tool within an individualized massage treatment, rather than treating cupping as a one size fits all service.
Why Do People Choose Cupping?
Clients often ask about cupping because they are dealing with persistent areas of muscular tension or discomfort that haven't responded the way they would like to other approaches.
Cupping may be incorporated into massage therapy for concerns such as:
-neck and shoulder tension
-upper back discomfort
-low back discomfort
-muscular tightness
-areas that feel persistently tense or restricted
-discomfort associated with repetitive activity
-physically demanding work
-exercise and training related soreness
-general musculoskeletal discomfort
Cupping isn't necessarily better than massage.
It's simply another way of applying a therapeutic mechanical stimulus to the body.
For some people and some presentations, it can be a useful addition.
Cupping may be incorporated into massage therapy for concerns such as:
-neck and shoulder tension
-upper back discomfort
-low back discomfort
-muscular tightness
-areas that feel persistently tense or restricted
-discomfort associated with repetitive activity
-physically demanding work
-exercise and training related soreness
-general musculoskeletal discomfort
Cupping isn't necessarily better than massage.
It's simply another way of applying a therapeutic mechanical stimulus to the body.
For some people and some presentations, it can be a useful addition.
What Does The Research Say About Cupping?
Cupping has been practiced in different forms for a very long time, but modern research into its effects is still developing.
Current research suggests that cupping may help reduce pain intensity in some people with musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the short term.
Research has examined cupping for conditions including neck and shoulder pain, low-back pain and other forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The evidence is not strong enough to claim that cupping cures injuries, permanently changes tissue or is appropriate for every pain condition.
At Mecca, we think that distinction matters.
We don’t need to exaggerate what a treatment does in order for it to be useful.
Instead, Erin combines her clinical assessment, massage therapy experience and cupping education to decide whether cupping makes sense for you.
Current research suggests that cupping may help reduce pain intensity in some people with musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the short term.
Research has examined cupping for conditions including neck and shoulder pain, low-back pain and other forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The evidence is not strong enough to claim that cupping cures injuries, permanently changes tissue or is appropriate for every pain condition.
At Mecca, we think that distinction matters.
We don’t need to exaggerate what a treatment does in order for it to be useful.
Instead, Erin combines her clinical assessment, massage therapy experience and cupping education to decide whether cupping makes sense for you.
Cupping Doesn't "Pull Toxins Out."
You may have heard some pretty dramatic explanations of cupping.
That the cups pull toxins out of your muscles.
That dark marks show how many toxins were present.
That cupping “breaks up” scar tissue.
Or that darker marks mean the treatment worked better.
Those explanations aren’t supported well enough for us to present them as fact.
Cupping creates negative pressure at the skin and superficial tissues and produces local mechanical and circulatory responses.
Researchers continue to investigate exactly how these changes may influence pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms.
That’s enough.
You don’t need a detoxification story for cupping to be a useful therapeutic tool.
That the cups pull toxins out of your muscles.
That dark marks show how many toxins were present.
That cupping “breaks up” scar tissue.
Or that darker marks mean the treatment worked better.
Those explanations aren’t supported well enough for us to present them as fact.
Cupping creates negative pressure at the skin and superficial tissues and produces local mechanical and circulatory responses.
Researchers continue to investigate exactly how these changes may influence pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms.
That’s enough.
You don’t need a detoxification story for cupping to be a useful therapeutic tool.
Will Cupping Leave Marks?
It can.
Cupping sometimes produces temporary circular discoloration where a cup has been applied.
The appearance can vary considerably depending on the person, technique, amount of suction and length of application.
A darker mark does not mean that more toxins were removed or that the treatment was more successful.
And leaving a dramatic mark isn’t the goal of Erin’s treatment.
If you’re attending a wedding next weekend, heading somewhere warm or simply don’t want visible marks, tell Erin.
Treatment can be modified accordingly.
Cupping sometimes produces temporary circular discoloration where a cup has been applied.
The appearance can vary considerably depending on the person, technique, amount of suction and length of application.
A darker mark does not mean that more toxins were removed or that the treatment was more successful.
And leaving a dramatic mark isn’t the goal of Erin’s treatment.
If you’re attending a wedding next weekend, heading somewhere warm or simply don’t want visible marks, tell Erin.
Treatment can be modified accordingly.
Does Cupping Hurt?
Cupping should create noticeable suction, but more intensity isn’t automatically better.
Some people enjoy the sensation immediately. Others need much lighter suction.
Erin can change the intensity, location, duration or technique throughout your treatment.
You remain in control of the treatment.
If something doesn’t feel right, it can be changed.
Some people enjoy the sensation immediately. Others need much lighter suction.
Erin can change the intensity, location, duration or technique throughout your treatment.
You remain in control of the treatment.
If something doesn’t feel right, it can be changed.
Cupping AND Massage Therapy
Cupping doesn’t have to replace your massage.
Erin can incorporate cupping into a regular therapeutic massage appointment when she and the client determine it is appropriate.
A treatment might include:
Assessment
What’s bothering you? How is it affecting movement or activity? What does the area actually need?
Hands-On Massage Therapy
Traditional massage techniques may still make up a significant portion of the treatment.
Cupping
Cups can be incorporated selectively into areas where Erin determines they may be useful.
Movement
Depending on the treatment, movement may sometimes be incorporated while cups are being used.
Reassessment
The important question isn’t whether the skin changed colour.
It’s whether something meaningful changed for you.
Erin can incorporate cupping into a regular therapeutic massage appointment when she and the client determine it is appropriate.
A treatment might include:
Assessment
What’s bothering you? How is it affecting movement or activity? What does the area actually need?
Hands-On Massage Therapy
Traditional massage techniques may still make up a significant portion of the treatment.
Cupping
Cups can be incorporated selectively into areas where Erin determines they may be useful.
Movement
Depending on the treatment, movement may sometimes be incorporated while cups are being used.
Reassessment
The important question isn’t whether the skin changed colour.
It’s whether something meaningful changed for you.
Is Cupping Right for Everyone?
No.
This is an important part of providing cupping responsibly.
Certain health conditions, medications, skin conditions, recent injuries or other circumstances can affect whether cupping is appropriate and how it should be performed.
Erin will review relevant health information and discuss treatment with you before using cupping.
If cupping isn’t appropriate, that doesn’t mean treatment has to stop.
It simply means another massage therapy approach may be a better choice.
This is an important part of providing cupping responsibly.
Certain health conditions, medications, skin conditions, recent injuries or other circumstances can affect whether cupping is appropriate and how it should be performed.
Erin will review relevant health information and discuss treatment with you before using cupping.
If cupping isn’t appropriate, that doesn’t mean treatment has to stop.
It simply means another massage therapy approach may be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cupping
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping is a technique that uses cups to create controlled suction against the skin. Registered Massage Therapists may incorporate cupping into a broader massage therapy treatment when appropriate.
Is cupping the same as massage therapy?
Not exactly. Traditional massage generally uses compressive forces such as pressure, kneading and movement. Cupping creates negative pressure through suction. Erin may combine both approaches during the same massage therapy appointment.
Does cupping help tight muscles?
Some clients report reduced muscular discomfort or a change in the feeling of tension following cupping. Research suggests cupping may provide short-term pain relief for some musculoskeletal conditions, although responses vary between individuals.
Does cupping help back pain?
Research has investigated cupping for low-back pain, with some systematic reviews reporting improvements in pain. Cupping shouldn’t be considered a cure for back pain, however, and persistent or unexplained back pain may require further assessment.
Does cupping help neck and shoulder tension?
Neck and shoulder pain are among the musculoskeletal complaints studied in cupping research. Whether cupping is appropriate depends on the cause of the symptoms and the individual client.
What do the purple circles from cupping mean?
They are temporary skin discolorations associated with the local effects of suction. Their colour isn’t a reliable measurement of toxins, treatment effectiveness or the severity of your condition.
Do I have to get cupping if I book with Erin?
Absolutely not.
Cupping is simply one of the tools Erin can use. You can receive massage therapy without cupping, and consent can be changed at any point during treatment.
How long do cupping marks last?
It varies. Some people develop very little visible discoloration while others develop noticeable marks that can remain for several days.
If visible marks are a concern, tell Erin before treatment.
Cupping is a technique that uses cups to create controlled suction against the skin. Registered Massage Therapists may incorporate cupping into a broader massage therapy treatment when appropriate.
Is cupping the same as massage therapy?
Not exactly. Traditional massage generally uses compressive forces such as pressure, kneading and movement. Cupping creates negative pressure through suction. Erin may combine both approaches during the same massage therapy appointment.
Does cupping help tight muscles?
Some clients report reduced muscular discomfort or a change in the feeling of tension following cupping. Research suggests cupping may provide short-term pain relief for some musculoskeletal conditions, although responses vary between individuals.
Does cupping help back pain?
Research has investigated cupping for low-back pain, with some systematic reviews reporting improvements in pain. Cupping shouldn’t be considered a cure for back pain, however, and persistent or unexplained back pain may require further assessment.
Does cupping help neck and shoulder tension?
Neck and shoulder pain are among the musculoskeletal complaints studied in cupping research. Whether cupping is appropriate depends on the cause of the symptoms and the individual client.
What do the purple circles from cupping mean?
They are temporary skin discolorations associated with the local effects of suction. Their colour isn’t a reliable measurement of toxins, treatment effectiveness or the severity of your condition.
Do I have to get cupping if I book with Erin?
Absolutely not.
Cupping is simply one of the tools Erin can use. You can receive massage therapy without cupping, and consent can be changed at any point during treatment.
How long do cupping marks last?
It varies. Some people develop very little visible discoloration while others develop noticeable marks that can remain for several days.
If visible marks are a concern, tell Erin before treatment.
Looking for Cupping Therapy in Regina?
If you’ve been searching for cupping in Regina, cupping massage, therapeutic cupping or a Registered Massage Therapist who offers cupping, you can book directly with Erin at Mecca Massage Therapy Clinic.
You don’t need to know whether cupping is the right treatment before you arrive.
Tell Erin what’s bothering you.
Together, you can determine whether cupping makes sense as part of your massage therapy treatment.
You don’t need to know whether cupping is the right treatment before you arrive.
Tell Erin what’s bothering you.
Together, you can determine whether cupping makes sense as part of your massage therapy treatment.
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Mecca Massage Therapy Clinic
Massage Therapy. Wellness. Professional Education. 2278 Rose Street, Regina, Saskatchewan. (306)591-7105 [email protected] |