Cupping therapy is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine form of healing that involves using suction to attach glass or plastic cups to the skin. Our approach involves using sanitized plastic cups with a manual pump to control the tension. We do not use fire or “wet” cupping techniques. This therapy is used to decrease pain and muscle tension created by trigger points or “muscle knots”. It aids in increasing blood flow to a small area to increase the rate of healing. The cups are left on the skin for only a few minutes and can be moved around to stimulate different areas. This therapy may leave discoloration of the skin that will often fade within a few days.

This therapy is a manual release of areas of muscles that create pain, numbness, or decreased range of motion. This is done over a small area and is often combined with a pin-and-stretch form of muscle release.

Muscle scraping or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a therapy used to pinpoint areas within the muscle tissue where adhesions are causing pain or restricted movement. This technique is done by using a smoothed steel tool or stone to glide against the skin providing pressure onto the muscles or tendons. This is done with a similar technique to the manual trigger point release but is done over the entire muscle or muscle group. This therapy may leave some discoloration of the treated area that often fades within a few days.