Cupping therapy, an ancient technique employing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups creating localized negative pressure on the skin, has a rich history of more than four thousand years. Its use spans various diseases, from herpes zoster to hypertension, stroke, cough, asthma, and low back pain. Recently, professional athletes, including the renowned Michael Phelps and NBA stars LeBron James, Russel Westbrook, and James Harden, have shown interest in cupping therapy for muscle recovery and pain management.
Athlete Testimonials
Michael Phelps, known for winning the most Olympic gold medals in history, sported circular red marks on his shoulders during the 2016 Olympics, attributed to cupping therapy. Phelps shared that this therapy aided in relieving muscle fatigue and soreness. Similarly, NBA athletes LeBron James, Russel Westbrook, and James Harden turned to cupping therapy during the 2018–2019 season to address muscle soreness.
Unknown Mechanisms
Despite its popularity among athletes, the exact mechanisms and effects of cupping therapy on exercise-induced muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal conditions remain unclear. Previous reviews mainly focused on investigating its impact on musculoskeletal or sports conditions without providing robust evidence. Additionally, the effectiveness of cupping therapy in muscle recovery after exercise and its potential adverse effects have not been thoroughly explored.
Comparisons with Other Modalities
Various rehabilitation modalities, such as massage and cryotherapy, have been used to enhance athletes’ performance and muscle recovery. Cupping therapy, however, may offer unique advantages. By promoting skin blood flow, altering biomechanical properties, increasing pain thresholds, improving local anaerobic metabolism, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune system mechanisms, cupping therapy could stand out as a comprehensive approach.
Low to Moderate Evidence
A recent review assessing the evidence for cupping therapy in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation suggests a low to moderate level of support. The primary effects identified include pain reduction and increased blood supply through negative pressure. Despite the moderate evidence, cupping therapy proves to be a valuable intervention in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation. It not only decreases pain levels and raises pain thresholds with a low incidence of adverse effects but also enhances blood flow to the affected area, introducing anti-inflammatory benefits.
In conclusion, while the exact workings of cupping therapy await further exploration, its positive impact on pain management and blood supply makes it a promising addition to musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation practices. Athletes continue to embrace this ancient technique, finding relief and potential performance enhancement through cupping therapy.
Reference
Mohamed, Ayman A, Zhang, Xueyan, Jan, Yih-Kuen. Evidence-based and adverse-effects analyses of cupping therapy in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation: A systematic and evidence-based review. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 3-19, 2023
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