Therapeutic Interventions and Contraindications of Cupping

By Kaylen Kallander

Cupping therapy is used to apply negative pressure to a localized area of muscular or neurological pain to relieve nerve pressure and increase blood flow to an affected area. This modality is commonly used for athletes, but is also a frequent treatment in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or hand therapy. While cupping can be an effective and beneficial treatment, it should be used in correct circumstances with specific precautions.

Reasons for Use

• Musculoskeletal injuries/tightness
• Myofascial adhesions
• Neurologic pain with doctor’s approval

Cupping along median nerve pathways modified to use smaller cups for this patient whose arms had less surface area for suction.

Contraindications & Reasons to Discontinue

• Open wounds or acute injury with 24-72 hours
• Neurovascular compromise
• Cardiac or blood malfunction
• Blisters, lightheadedness, or significant pain during use

Considerations

In addition to the appropriate application of cupping therapy, a thorough explanation of treatment effects must be provided to patients. Patients, or parents of minor patients, should give consent before treatment proceeds. Allergies to cupping material, lotion, or oil should be considered as well. Significant bruises are expected and can last from a few days to two weeks. However, treatment should always be within a patient’s pain tolerance. While soreness is normal, it shouldn’t feel worse than having received a deep tissue massage. Patients who have received multiple treatments often present less discomfort with increased suction and decreased bruising over time. Therapeutic effects of cupping treatment can be seen with as little as 5 minutes but should be no longer than 30 minutes if in a static position.

Key Takeaways

Therapy should always be holistic, purposeful, and patient specific. Cupping may be utilized for various diagnoses and pain relief, but patient experience and preference is equally important. Furthermore, a sufficient background of medical knowledge is required to understand potential contraindications to refrain from, delay, or cease treatment. With professional critical reasoning, cupping can be a great modality to use in hand therapy for decreased muscular or nerve pain.

Cage, A. (2019). Clinical Experts Statement: The definition, Prescription, and application of cupping Therapy. Clinical Practice in Athletic Training, 2(2), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.31622/2019/0002.2