 A Gentle, Supportive Approach to Muscle Pain, Tightness and Recovery in Porter Ranch Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch / Northridge, California Have you ever seen an athlete with round reddish or purple marks on the shoulders or back and wondered what caused them? Those marks often come from cupping therapy—a traditional technique that is now commonly used alongside massage, chiropractic care, exercise, and other forms of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we may incorporate cupping as a supportive therapy for appropriate patients experiencing muscle tightness, musculoskeletal pain, restricted movement, or sports-related soreness. But what exactly does cupping do, and what does the research actually tell us? What Is Cupping Therapy?Cupping involves placing specialized cups on the skin and creating negative pressure, or suction. Instead of pressing downward into muscles as occurs during massage, the suction gently pulls the skin and superficial tissues upward. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's explanation of cupping describes cupping as a traditional practice in which negative pressure is created inside a cup placed against the skin. At our office, the goal is not simply to leave marks on the skin. Cupping is used selectively as part of a broader approach to musculoskeletal function and rehabilitation. Why Is Cupping Sometimes Called “Reverse Massage”?Traditional massage generally places pressure into the muscle and soft tissue. Cupping works differently. The suction pulls superficial tissues upward. That is why I sometimes describe cupping to patients as a type of “reverse massage.” For patients who do not tolerate aggressive deep-tissue pressure comfortably, this difference can be important. Can Cupping Help Musculoskeletal Pain? There is encouraging research, but it is important not to exaggerate what science currently shows. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, cupping may help reduce pain, although much of the available research is considered low quality and stronger studies are still needed. A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis of chronic musculoskeletal pain also evaluated randomized controlled trials of cupping therapy and found evidence of pain reduction, while noting limitations in the evidence. In other words: Cupping may be a useful supportive therapy for some musculoskeletal pain conditions, but it should not be presented as a cure or replacement for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation. Potential Benefits of Cupping Therapy Depending on the patient and condition, cupping may be used with the goal of helping:
That distinction is important. Cupping should support a rehabilitation program—not replace one. Cupping and Blood FlowOne of the immediate effects associated with cupping is a change in local circulation near the treated area. The suction draws blood toward the surface of the skin, which contributes to the familiar circular discoloration following treatment. This local circulatory response is one reason cupping has attracted interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. However, increased circulation does not automatically mean that an injury will heal faster. Healing is a complex biological process. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we therefore look at cupping as one possible supportive tool, rather than claiming that cupping itself heals an injury. Cupping Is Only One Part of RehabilitationThis is one of the most important points I explain to patients. If someone has neck pain, low-back pain, shoulder discomfort, muscle imbalance, restricted joint movement, or a sports injury, simply treating the painful muscle may not address the entire mechanical problem. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, cupping may be combined with other appropriate treatments such as:
We also ask: Why is this area becoming tight or painful, and what can we do to improve movement and function? You can learn more about our philosophy by visiting What Is Soft Touch Chiropractic?. Cupping for Neck, Back and Shoulder Muscle TightnessPatients often seek cupping for musculoskeletal complaints involving areas such as the: Neck and shoulders — especially when prolonged sitting, computer work, posture, or repetitive activity contributes to muscle tension. Upper and lower back — where tight paraspinal and surrounding muscles may accompany back discomfort or restricted movement. Shoulders — where muscle tightness may affect comfortable shoulder movement. Legs and hips — particularly following exercise, sports, repetitive activity, or muscle overuse. The important question is not simply whether cupping can be performed. It is whether cupping is appropriate for the individual patient's condition. What Should You Expect After Cupping?Cupping commonly leaves temporary circular marks. These marks can range from light red to dark purple and usually gradually disappear. The marks occur because of the suction applied to the skin and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that “toxins” have been removed from the body. This is another area where I prefer to separate traditional explanations from what modern research can actually establish. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's safety information confirms that temporary skin discoloration is a common effect of cupping. Is Cupping Therapy Safe? Cupping is generally considered relatively low risk when performed appropriately, but it is not risk-free. Possible side effects can include:
Patients should also tell their healthcare provider about medications, bleeding problems, skin conditions, pregnancy, and other relevant health concerns before receiving cupping.  🔹 Cupping Should Complement Good Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Care At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we don't believe every patient needs the same treatment.
One patient may benefit primarily from a chiropractic adjustment. Another may need stretching and joint mobilization. Another may have significant muscular tightness where cupping or another soft-tissue technique could be incorporated. And many patients benefit from a combination of approaches. That is the philosophy behind Soft Touch Chiropractic: Evaluate first. Identify the problem. Then choose the appropriate technique for the individual patient. Looking for Cupping Therapy in Porter Ranch or Northridge? If you are experiencing muscle tightness, back pain, neck pain, shoulder discomfort, restricted mobility, or sports-related musculoskeletal pain, cupping may be one component of a personalized rehabilitation program. Rather than simply treating the painful area, we evaluate your joints, muscles, movement, posture, and overall musculoskeletal function to determine which therapies may be appropriate. Schedule an EvaluationSoft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Porter Ranch / Northridge, California Call: (818) 831-0100 Visit Soft Touch Chiropractic Contact Soft Touch Chiropractic to schedule an appointment Better movement. Less unnecessary force. Personalized care for your body. This article is for general educational purposes and does not diagnose or treat any specific condition. Cupping is not appropriate for everyone. Individual evaluation is recommended before beginning treatment.
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