Does Cupping Therapy Hurt?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients considering a new bodywork modality is: “Does it hurt?”

Cupping therapy is a specialized form of bodywork that we use to complement deep tissue massage, essentially giving us a mechanical advantage over stubborn muscle adhesions. The image of those tell-tale purple or red circular marks can be intimidating, leading many to believe the process is painful. However, this practice is used by athletes and chronic pain sufferers because it’s a powerful and effective tool for deep tissue relief. The sensation is often described as intense, but rarely painful. 

What Is Cupping & What Are the Benefits?

Cupping is a manual therapy technique where suction is applied to the skin using specialized cups. This suction lifts the skin and the underlying tissues, encouraging circulation and decompressing stuck fascia and muscle. At Atwood Therapeutics, we like to use cupping as a complement to other forms of bodywork for athletes or anyone dealing with chronic tension. 

Unlike a traditional deep tissue massage which uses compression, cupping utilizes negative pressure to gently pull the muscle into the cup. This mechanical lifting of tissue is what makes cupping so effective, particularly in areas where muscle tissue has become hardened, immoble, or restricted by scar tissue. Cupping is a great way to release tension and create space in hard to reach areas that just won’t let go. 

The Therapeutic Power of Negative Pressure

Some of the (many) benefits to cupping include…

• Release of knots in the muscle tissue

• Increased blood flow to the area

• Speed up recovery after workouts

• Relieve pain and soreness

What to Expect During a Cupping Session

Cupping is a very straightforward process and we’ll walk you through each step. At Atwood Therapeutics, we typically use silicone or glass cups that either create suction with a pump. Before the cups are applied, we’ll warm up the tissue using massage or heat packs. We’ll then apply a small amount of oil to the treatment area to allow for a better seal and, if using gliding cupping, to permit movement. When the cups are applied, you’ll feel a moderate to light suction. The intensity is always adjustable and we check in to make sure the pressure feels right for your body.

Depending on the goal, your therapist will use one of two main methods:

Dry Cupping: Cups are placed on the skin and left in one spot for several minutes. This method allows for a deep, sustained decompression in one specific area. Dry cupping is great for stubborn knots and chronic pain.

You’ll usually feel a strong pulling or suction sensation in the targeted area. After the cups are removed, it’s common to see those classic discolored cupping marks on your skin. This is a sign that blood flow has been brought to the surface and stagnant tissue is being cleared out.

Massage Cupping: This method involves moving the cups across the skin in a slow, controlled manner. The oil in which we applied earlier, allows the cups to glide more smoothly; this method is also known as Gliding Cupping. 

The sensation with Massage Cupping is less intense and feels more like a deep tissue massage compared to Dry Cupping. The suction is still present, but it’s gentler and more dynamic. This technique is great for general muscle tension, circulation, and lymphatic drainage. Massage cupping can be especially helpful for post-workout recovery.

So, Does Cupping Therapy Hurt?

In general, cupping doesn’t hurt more than a deep tissue massage. Many describe the sensation as a deep stretch; it feels like tension being pulled out rather than pushed in. You might feel a sense of tightness or pressure under the cups, but it shouldn’t be painful. 

That said, everyone’s body is different. If your tissue is dehydrated or your muscles are inflamed, you might feel a little more intensity. The sensation you feel from cupping is a direct result of the technique’s effectiveness- those deep knots are being released! 

What About Those Red Marks?

The most common side effect (and the reason most people associate cupping with pain) are the circular marks left on the skin. They are not caused by trauma or impact, but rather by the negative pressure pulling stagnant blood and fluid from damaged capillaries into the superficial layers of the skin. The marks are temporary and usually fade within 3-7 days. The marked areas of skin may be slightly tender for a couple of days following the treatment.

What to Do After a Cupping Session

After cupping, your body will continue to respond to the treatment, so it’s important to give it what it needs to heal. 

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

  • This is the most important step. Drinking plenty of water helps your body maintain adequate blood flow to your healing tissues.

• Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

  • For a few hours post-treatment, avoid super hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, or ice packs directly in the treated area.

• Moisturize Your Skin

  • Apply a gentle, unscented lotion or oil to the cupping marks. This can help soothe the skin and encourage circulation to speed up the healing of the marks. 

Live, work, or stay in Denver and want to try cupping as part of your massage session? Book an appointment with our team of experts now! Let’s get that tissue moving and your body feeling better.