Ava Miller – Contributing Writer

arm6672@psu.edu

In today’s intense world of athletics, many athletes find themselves needing alternative methods to help with pain, inflammation, and muscle injury. Athlete’s at Penn State Behrend often find themselves working with athletic trainers to help with these conditions that can be brought on by intense training and game play. Thankfully, there are therapies available to athletes that can provide relief and healing without the use of medications. Some of these therapies include, deep tissue massage, chiropractic, trigger point therapy and cupping therapy. All of these therapies address the muscles and inflammation and aid in the healing process but one that definitely leaves a mark is cupping therapy. 

Have you ever attended a volleyball game or another sporting event on campus and wondered, “Wow! Why does that person have bruises all over them that are literally perfect circles?” You may wonder if that person has a serious condition. But the reality of it is that it is not a disease or injury, it is the results of cupping therapy. Cupping therapy is a technique that was used back in ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures and has become very popular in sports medicine. In the 2016 Olympics, Michael Phelps had the tell tale signs of cupping on his back and shoulders and since then cupping has grown in popularity. 

Cupping therapy promotes healing by increasing the blood flow to a certain muscle group while releasing toxins. Cupping therapy is performed by a specialist using special cups usually made of glass that are ignited to heat the cups, then they are extinguished causing the cups to cool which results in a vacuum. The vacuum causes the suction and main component of the therapy. The vacuum caused during the cupping therapy, pulls the skin away from the body allowing the underlying toxins to be released. This therapy provides the muscles great benefits including healing, reducing inflammation and relaxation of tight muscles that may be strained or over used. 

Now, before you head to Amazon to buy your cupping supplies. It is important to know that this therapy should only be performed by a professional that is trained in this type of therapy. While it is safe for most healthy people, there are some people that would not be candidates for this therapy. A trained professional can determine your eligibility, the duration and the frequency that would benefit the individual. Cupping does leave its mark, it can take 7-10 days for the purple circles to reduce and fade away. If you are bothered by the looks of the cupping bruises, this may not be a great option for you.