A Discussion About Cupping:

Lessons from Rio

Agenda:• Historical Background

of Cupping

• Cupping vs. Myofascial Decompression

• What We Know and Don’t Know

• Take Away

Similar “Fads” in Sports

http://kinesiology.uncc.edu/news/2015-05-04/ask-expert-kinesiology-tape

http://www.almulcahy.com.au/tag/pain/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocrates

http://bit.ly/2t20cCm

Olympic Games: August 7, 2016

2000 BC - China

1550 BC - Egypt

400 BC - Greece

A Brief History of Cupping 5

Cupping vs Myofascial Decompression

Traditional Cupping:• Wet Cupping (Hijama)1 – An Arabic form of

cupping. Small incision created and blood vacuumed out.

• Dry Cupping – No incision.

Myofascial Decompression:• Myofascial release via negative pressure

from a cup combined with functional movements to separate fascia.2

• Different than “compressive” treatments such as Graston, ART, ASTYM, Massage.

What is Happening?

Only theories exist:• Increased blood flow to tissues.• Balancing of the Qi.• Stimulation of the Nervous System.• Myofascial Release.

Probably the best explanations: • Stimulation of the nervous system

• Myofibrils• Changes to the Fascia• Increased microcirculation• Thixotropy? • Thomas Findley, MD, PhD: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3091466/• Jean-Claude Guimberteau, MD: Strolling Under the Skin

http://www.helpdesign.com/tensegrity/

Fascial Connections

http://physicalalchemy.blogspot.com/2014/03/fascial-pec-minor-arm-linelung-meridian.html Thomas Meyers – Anatomy Trains

Diagnostic Ultrasound

• Conclusion?

• More research needs to be performed to understand the mechanism.

Precautions3 and Considerations

Contraindications• Eczema, psoriasis or open skin

lesions/abrasions/infections4

• Pediatric patients

• Geriatric Patients

• Menstruating and pregnant females

• History of DVT

Other Considerations:

When you see the spots, ask a few questions:

• Home or professional treatment?

• Who was the provider and what is their training?

• What is your objective in receiving treatment?

The Take Away

• Myofascial Decompression may have some benefit to swimmers.

• Should only be performed by a licensed healthcare provider who is trained in Cupping or Myofascial Decompression.

• ATC, Massage Therapist, Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, MD/DO, etc.

• Home treatment should absolutely be discouraged.

• There should be clear objectives for using this therapy.

• Precautions should be taken to ensure safety.

Questions? – Please type in the Q & A section on your screen.

Additional Citations

1. Alireza Ahmadi, David C. Schwebel, and Mansour Rezaei, Am. J. Chin. Med. 36, 37 (2008).https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X08005564

2. https://www.cuptherapy.com/news

3. Mahdavi M., Ghazanfari T., Aghajani M., Danyali F., Naseri M. Evaluation of the effects of traditional cupping on the biochemical, haematological and immunological factors of human venous blood. In: Bhattacharya A., editor. A Compendium of Essays on Alternative Therapy. InTech; Croatia: 2012. pp. 67–88.

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3825217/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488563/