Myofascial Decompression Therapy
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Achieve Therapeutics offers Myofascial Decompression Therapy (aka Cupping) as part of out therapeutic tool kit. Certified by the International Cupping Therapy Association in Contemporary Cupping Methods.
Cupping involves using a vacuum inside a small “cup” (see above - Sharon setting up a lower leg application) 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. The cups can be left stationary (usually 3-5 minutes), or can be moved over the tightened tissue with a lifting motion.
If you have seen the circular marks on such athletes as Michael Phelps (above) 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.
My background is in science and evidence-based medicine, so I look for research when deciding which treatment modalities to use. While there are many studies of different cupping methods, most have some design issues which prevent generalization of their findings. However; improvements in function and decreases in pain can be measured.
Excerpts from National Institutes of Health website 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.”
“Proponents of cupping believe that the effect of suction on the skin helps increase blood flow and promotes healing; however, the way in which cupping may have an effect on the body is unclear”... … “but 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.
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.
Other research publications on cupping:
1.Ge W, et al. 2017. Dry cupping for plantar fasiitis: a randomized controlled trial.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5462687/pdf/jpts-29-859.pdf
2. Wang YT, et al. 2017. The effect of cupping therapy for low back pain: A meta-analysis based on existing randomized controlled trials.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28946531
3. Yuan QL, et al. 2015. Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and
meta-analysis. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25710765
Cupping involves using a vacuum inside a small “cup” (see above - Sharon setting up a lower leg application) 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. The cups can be left stationary (usually 3-5 minutes), or can be moved over the tightened tissue with a lifting motion.
If you have seen the circular marks on such athletes as Michael Phelps (above) 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.
My background is in science and evidence-based medicine, so I look for research when deciding which treatment modalities to use. While there are many studies of different cupping methods, most have some design issues which prevent generalization of their findings. However; improvements in function and decreases in pain can be measured.
Excerpts from National Institutes of Health website 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.”
“Proponents of cupping believe that the effect of suction on the skin helps increase blood flow and promotes healing; however, the way in which cupping may have an effect on the body is unclear”... … “but 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.
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.
Other research publications on cupping:
1.Ge W, et al. 2017. Dry cupping for plantar fasiitis: a randomized controlled trial.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5462687/pdf/jpts-29-859.pdf
2. Wang YT, et al. 2017. The effect of cupping therapy for low back pain: A meta-analysis based on existing randomized controlled trials.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28946531
3. Yuan QL, et al. 2015. Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and
meta-analysis. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25710765
Ideas for Neck Pain
Article by Sharon Sharpe published in Natick Bulletin and Tab, Friday 6/3/16. Ways to Relieve Neck Pain.
Some simple causes and preventive ideas for nagging neck pain. They are not a quick fix, but over a few weeks or months, you should get relief.
If this does not help you, call for an appointment!
Check out the full article here...
http://natick.wickedlocal.com/article/20160603/NEWS/160608829/0/SEARCH
Article by Sharon Sharpe published in Natick Bulletin and Tab, Friday 6/3/16. Ways to Relieve Neck Pain.
Some simple causes and preventive ideas for nagging neck pain. They are not a quick fix, but over a few weeks or months, you should get relief.
If this does not help you, call for an appointment!
Check out the full article here...
http://natick.wickedlocal.com/article/20160603/NEWS/160608829/0/SEARCH
It is now well-known that the ability to stabilize yourself both in standing and while moving is a key part of overall fitness.
Click HERE to see a Feb 2017 WCVB report about balance.