Cupping Therapy
Cupping is an ancient practice that involves placing special glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cups on the skin to create suction. Negative pressure is generated in the cup either by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin, squeezing the cup so that it subsequently expands, or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin. The suction draws blood to the area and is thought to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Cupping often leaves temporary round marks on the skin however the marks are non-painful and dissipate within hours to a few days. We apply a gentle force with their hands, or with handheld instruments, in order to restore motion to any “restricted” joints. Sometimes a specialized table will be used to assist with these safe and effective “adjustments”. Joint manipulation improves flexibility, relieves pain, and helps maintain healthy joints.
Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis - 2016
Seniors with Lower Back Pain
At Centered Spine & Joint, Dr. Corey Idrogo and his team of medical professionals provide cupping therapy in order to reduce pain and promote circulation naturally. Our Chattanooga chiropractor uses glass, bamboo or silicone cups and places them on the skin to create a vacuum-like seal from the lack of oxygen.
Cupping is a natural, simple procedure that anyone can benefit from. This type of deep-tissue massage is used to alleviate muscle pain and tension. This natural treatment therapy is very relaxing and usually involves the patient lying down. The team places special cups on the patient’s skin to create suction in specific places. Depending on the condition, the time and placement of the cups will vary. This medication-free treatment has been proven to provide benefits by being a natural treatment that has sustained itself for thousands of years.
Conditions Managed with Cupping
Cupping has therapeutic benefits as well as preventative purposes which are used to work with variety of conditions experienced by patients. Some of these conditions include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Muscle tension and stiffness
- Sinusitis and other sinus problems
- Headaches and migraines
- TMJ
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Lymphatic issues
- Digestive issues
- Skin conditions
Benefits of Cupping
- Reduces pain
- Decrease in inflammation
- Stimulates whole body relaxation
- Boosts blood circulation
- Increases lymphatic drainage
- Removes toxin buildup
- Boosts the immune system
- Provides better balance to the body
- Breaks up scar tissue
- Reduces muscle tension
- Increases range of motion

