Myofascial Decompression Therapy
Achieve Therapeutics is excited to be adding Myofascial Decompression Therapy (aka Cupping) to our therapeutic tool kit.
I recently completed a three-day intensive workshop and am now certified by the International Cupping Therapy Association in Contemporary Cupping Methods.
Cupping essentially involves using a vacuum inside a small “cup” to create suction on the body. The mechanical effect of decompressing the tissues brings blood flow to the area and promotes lymphatic drainage of the waste products of muscular contraction. In addition, tissue layers are separated by the suction which helps to release bound or tight fascial tissue and allow for improved movement.
If you have seen the circular marks on such athletes as Michael Phelps from the 2016 Olympics, you may wonder about bruising. These marks are not bruises and do not hurt when touched. The dark marks are thought to be indicative of stagnant fluids being brought to the surface, where they can be picked up by the lymphatic system and removed.
As with any therapeutic modality, there are some potential risks and conditions for which decompression therapy is not appropriate. All these will be discussed prior to your treatment.
My background is in science and evidence-based medicine, so I look for research when deciding which treatment modalities to use. There are many studies of different cupping methods, most of which have some design issues which prevent generalization of their findings. However; improvements in function and decreases in pain can be measured. Please take a look at the following from the National Institutes of Health ..
https://nccih.nih.gov/news/cupping
“Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This practice dates back over 2,000 years but has received recent attention in the media due to its use by world-class athletes for injury relief.”
“...A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis in the journal PLoS One concluded that cupping could be effective in treating the pain and disability associated with chronic neck pain and chronic low-back pain in the short term.”
“Cupping is considered generally safe for healthy people when performed by a trained health professional. ….”
So, while the current scientific evidence may not be strong, I believe that future research, with good randomized control methodology will show that Myofascial Decompression is a valid therapeutic tool, when used safely and properly.
As always, I treat the patient, not the condition, so the use of any therapeutic tool is always considered as part of a whole treatment plan and is not used exclusively.
I recently completed a three-day intensive workshop and am now certified by the International Cupping Therapy Association in Contemporary Cupping Methods.
Cupping essentially involves using a vacuum inside a small “cup” to create suction on the body. The mechanical effect of decompressing the tissues brings blood flow to the area and promotes lymphatic drainage of the waste products of muscular contraction. In addition, tissue layers are separated by the suction which helps to release bound or tight fascial tissue and allow for improved movement.
If you have seen the circular marks on such athletes as Michael Phelps from the 2016 Olympics, you may wonder about bruising. These marks are not bruises and do not hurt when touched. The dark marks are thought to be indicative of stagnant fluids being brought to the surface, where they can be picked up by the lymphatic system and removed.
As with any therapeutic modality, there are some potential risks and conditions for which decompression therapy is not appropriate. All these will be discussed prior to your treatment.
My background is in science and evidence-based medicine, so I look for research when deciding which treatment modalities to use. There are many studies of different cupping methods, most of which have some design issues which prevent generalization of their findings. However; improvements in function and decreases in pain can be measured. Please take a look at the following from the National Institutes of Health ..
https://nccih.nih.gov/news/cupping
“Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This practice dates back over 2,000 years but has received recent attention in the media due to its use by world-class athletes for injury relief.”
“...A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis in the journal PLoS One concluded that cupping could be effective in treating the pain and disability associated with chronic neck pain and chronic low-back pain in the short term.”
“Cupping is considered generally safe for healthy people when performed by a trained health professional. ….”
So, while the current scientific evidence may not be strong, I believe that future research, with good randomized control methodology will show that Myofascial Decompression is a valid therapeutic tool, when used safely and properly.
As always, I treat the patient, not the condition, so the use of any therapeutic tool is always considered as part of a whole treatment plan and is not used exclusively.