Cupping therapy uses suction cups placed on the skin to lift and decompress the underlying muscle and soft tissue. Where most manual therapy pushes down into tissue, cupping pulls upward — drawing blood flow to the area and creating space between layers of muscle, fascia, and skin that have become tight or restricted.

This decompression effect can help release tension, reduce restriction, and improve mobility in the treated area.

Cupping is used to address muscle tightness and restriction from a different angle than adjustments or dry needling. Common benefits include:

• Reduced muscle tightness and tension
• Improved blood flow and circulation
• Decreased restriction in fascia and soft tissue
• Improved range of motion
• Faster recovery between training sessions
• Relief from chronic tightness that hasn’t responded to other treatment

Many patients notice improved mobility and looseness in the treated area right after their session.

At Woodland Chiropractic, we commonly use cupping therapy to help with:

• Chronic muscle tightness and tension
• Upper back, shoulder, and neck restriction
• Low back tightness
• IT band and quad tightness
• Recovery from heavy training or competition
• Scar tissue and old injury restriction
• Areas that feel “stuck” despite other treatment

Whether you’re dealing with a specific tight spot or general restriction throughout an area, cupping can be tailored to your needs.

As a former collegiate athlete, Dr. Sami Brookens understands how much tightness and tissue restriction can limit performance and slow recovery.

For athletes and active people, cupping can help:

• Speed up recovery between training sessions or events
• Address chronic tightness that limits range of motion
• Complement adjustments and dry needling for a complete recovery plan
• Prepare tissue for training or competition
• Manage tightness from high training volume

Care is always adapted to your sport, training load, and goals.

Cupping is a quick, well-tolerated addition to your visit, typically used alongside other treatment.

You can expect:

• An assessment of the tight or restricted area
• Cups applied to the skin, creating a gentle suction and lifting sensation
• Cups left in place for a short period, or moved across the muscle
• Possible temporary circular marks where the cups were placed (these are not bruises and usually fade within a few days)
• Often combined with adjustments, dry needling, or corrective exercise in the same visit

Most patients describe the sensation as a deep pulling or stretching feeling rather than pain.

Yes. Cupping therapy is considered safe when performed by a trained provider. At Woodland Chiropractic, suction levels and treatment time are adjusted to your comfort and the area being treated.

The temporary marks left by cupping are a normal response from increased blood flow to the area, not a sign of injury, and typically fade within a few days to a week.

The frequency of cupping depends on your goals and how your body responds.

Some patients use cupping:

• Regularly during periods of heavy training for recovery
• Periodically to address chronic tightness
• As part of a broader treatment plan alongside adjustments and dry needling
• Occasionally, just to address a specific tight area

Your provider will recommend a frequency that fits your goals and how your tissue responds to treatment.