If you’ve watched major sports events recently, you may have noticed athletes with circular red marks on their shoulders, backs, or legs. Those aren’t bruises–they result from sports cupping therapy, a technique that’s gained popularity among athletes.
However, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to experience the benefits of cupping therapy. We offer it at Orthopedic Sports Therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to physical therapy, especially when we’re helping active individuals recover after a sports injury.
What Is Cupping Therapy and Why Do Athletes Use It?
Cupping therapy is an ancient treatment that uses suction to lift the skin and underlying tissues. In the modern day, this suction is typically created using glass or silicone cups. Once placed on the skin, the cups create negative pressure, drawing blood toward the surface and stimulating circulation.
While cupping has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, modern athletes turn to sports cupping therapy because of its practical benefits for soft tissue recovery. Many professional and amateur athletes now include cupping in their routines to ease muscle tightness and help their bodies recover after games, training, and injuries.
The Benefits of Cupping Therapy for Sports Recovery
Boosts Blood Flow for Enhanced Healing
Cupping increases circulation in the targeted area. This rush of blood brings in oxygen and nutrients that the tissues need to heal. Improved blood flow also helps clear away waste products that build up after intense physical activity.
Key Benefits
- Facilitates muscle tissue repair
- Reduces inflammation by promoting fluid exchange
- Supports overall tissue health
Reduces Muscle Soreness and Tension
Athletes often experience delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after tough workouts. Cupping helps loosen tight muscles and fascia, which can reduce pain and improve movement.
Key Benefits
- Relieves stiffness without the discomfort of deep pressure
- Helps muscles feel more relaxed and mobile
- Can complement stretching and other manual therapies
Improves Lymphatic Drainage
In addition to boosting circulation, cupping stimulates the lymphatic system. This helps clear cellular waste, reduce swelling, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Key Benefits
- Aids in faster swelling reduction
- Helps eliminate metabolic waste
- Keeps the immune system functioning well
Supports Recovery from Common Sports Injuries
Cupping can be part of a broader rehabilitation plan that includes physical therapy, stretching, or strengthening by targeting specific muscle groups or injury sites. Sports cupping therapy can help manage conditions like:
- Hamstring strains
- IT band tightness
- Shoulder impingement
- Lower back pain
- Knee soreness
What to Expect During a Sports Cupping Therapy Session
Sessions are generally short—about 15 to 30 minutes—and can be used before or after a workout. Depending on your injury or soreness level, your therapist may use stationary cupping (leaving the cups in place) or gliding cupping (sliding the cups over lubricated skin to treat a broader area).
It’s common to have round red marks after treatment, which usually fade within a few days. These marks are a sign that blood flow was activated in the area.
Your physical therapist will tailor the treatment to your needs, ensuring it complements your rehab and doesn’t cause discomfort.
Take the Next Step Toward Faster Recovery
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury or just want to reduce post-workout soreness, cupping therapy can be a valuable tool in your recovery. At Orthopedic Sports Therapy, we combine this therapy with personalized care to help athletes heal faster, perform better, and prevent injury.
Contact our Tempe, AZ, Ahwatukee, AZ, and Biltmore, AZ clinic today to learn how sports cupping therapy can support your recovery and performance.
