3PT Health, LLC - Physical Therapy, Personal Training, Personalized Treatment

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What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy is a treatment that uses gentle suction to lift the skin and underlying tissues. At 3PT, we use modern cupping techniques (often called “myofascial decompression”) to help relieve tightness, improve circulation, and speed up recovery.

Unlike massage, which applies pressure downward into tissues, cupping creates a gentle lifting effect. This decompression reduces muscle tension, promotes blood flow, and helps restore normal movement.

Why We Use Cupping at 3PT

Cupping is especially helpful for:

  • Headaches & Neck Tension – Loosens the fascia and muscles around the neck and shoulders, reducing pressure that often contributes to tension headaches.

  • Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery – Helps calm protective muscle spasms after whiplash or back injuries and restores mobility.

  • Athletes – Speeds up recovery, reduces soreness, and improves flexibility — many professional athletes use cupping to stay at their best.

  • Chronic Tightness – Great for stubborn areas like the upper traps, hamstrings, or low back that don’t fully release with stretching alone.

What to Expect

  1. Targeted Placement – Cups are placed on specific areas of tension.

  2. Gentle Suction – A vacuum effect lifts the tissue, creating a stretch in the fascia and muscles.

  3. Movement Integration – At 3PT, we often combine cupping with guided movement to maximize results.

  4. After-Effects – You may notice circular marks after treatment — these are painless and fade within a few days.

Most patients describe the sensation as relaxing and relieving, with an immediate feeling of looseness in the treated area.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Research and clinical experience show cupping can help with:

  • Reduced muscle soreness and stiffness (Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2016)

  • Improved range of motion in the neck, shoulders, and spine (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2019)

  • Faster recovery from exercise or injury

  • Decreased pain in chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Common Questions

Does cupping hurt?
Most people find it relaxing. You may feel a pulling sensation, but it should not be painful.

What about the marks?
The round marks are simply blood flow brought to the surface. They are not bruises and usually fade in 3–5 days.

Is it safe?
Yes — cupping is safe when performed by a trained clinician. At 3PT, we use modern, hygienic cupping techniques as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.