chiropractor performing cupping technique

Cupping Therapy in Wichita, KS

Cupping, or cupping therapy, is a soft tissue procedure in which special cups are placed on the skin to create a suction effect.

How Chiropractic Cupping Therapy Works

The goal of cupping is to help balance tension within the body, by releasing areas holding too much tension via cups. Our chiropractors at ICT Muscle & Joint Clinic, utilize cupping for the treatment and rapid release of taut soft tissues, myofascial pain, inflammation, blood flow, and improved joint range of motion.

Cupping works by creating a “negative” tension on the skin, muscles, and fascial areas of the body. Instead of applying pressure onto the body, commonly associated with a vast amount of soft tissue therapies, cupping draws the pressure away from the problematic area creating the “negative” tension effect.

What are the Different Styles of Chiropractic Cupping?

Cupping is a fantastic and effective soft tissue technique when other therapies or strategies do not produce wanted results. Conversely, cupping can work in conjunction with other modalities.

Our approach to cupping is more modern than a traditional approach. There are many different styles of cupping including: dry cupping (cupping with and without movement), wet cupping, or hot cupping.

Common Symptoms Relieved Through Chiropractic Cupping Therapy

Chiropractic Cupping Therapy in Wichita, Kansas can help reduce and/or eliminate various neuromuscular pains and problems. Listed below are some common ailments and diagnoses that our chiropractors can address through cupping therapy.

Shoulder pain
Midback pain
Lower back pain
Hip pain
Neck pain
Joint stiffness
Muscle stiffness
Numbness/Tingling

Why You Should Choose Our Chiropractors in Wichita, KS, for Cupping Therapy

Our chiropractors always strive to provide exceptional service to each patient so that their feeling of pain, stiffness, and numbness can be relieved quickly. If you are experiencing any of the above issues, please do not hesitate to contact our expert chiropractors to schedule an appointment. Each of our chiropractors have the education and experience to provide the highest quality of chiropractic care in Wichita, KS.

Cupping Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click on any question below to see our answers to common questions about cupping.

How Long Does A Cupping Session Last?

A session of cupping is typically very quick, ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. The difference in time is entirely based on two factors: skin color changes and the speed of those changes.

If an area is holding more tension, then you will see a bright red or a deeper purple color. The deeper the color, the more tension. If an area is holding more tension, then you will see the color change faster (i.e. 30 seconds instead of 5 minutes).

When Did Cupping Become Popular?

Cupping became more mainstream after the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics, largely due to Michael Phelps and other Olympians showing cupping bruises during their events. However, cupping was used in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures as far back as 1550 B.C. Our Wichita chiropractors utilize cupping therapy daily for many different reasons.

What are Those Ugly Looking Circles?

As funny sounding as it is, this is a typical question our chiropractors get after a session of cupping therapy. If you have not seen the marks yet, then you may be the one asking this question!

On average, these discolored circles may last anywhere from a few hours to 1-2 weeks. Typically, it is the deeper purple color that sticks around for 2-3 weeks. Bruises from cupping therapy are different than normal bruises; bruises from cupping are non-painful to the touch. More than likely, you will forget the cup marks are there unless someone points them out.

What Material(s) are Cups Made From?

Our professional chiropractors utilize plastic and silicone-based cups at our chiropractic and rehab clinic. This style of cupping uses a vacuum seal via suction instead of a traditional glass, heating method. This method creates a more balanced negative effect inside the cup for more consistent results and potentially less harm.

What if Cupping Therapy Has Not Helped Me in the Past?

Our Wichita chiropractors see this all the time! Cupping is a fantastic tool when used in the right area at the right time. Just because you have low back pain, it does not mean cupping is the solution to fix your lower back pain. Instead our chiropractors utilize many different techniques to get positive results based on your pain pattern.

Content written by Dr. Keith Sparks, DC | NBCE, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Part I-IV & Physical Therapy
Content reviewed by Dr. Sam Reals, DC | NBCE, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Part I-IV & Physical Therapy

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If you are in the Wichita, KS, area and are having frustrations, complications, or stagnant results with care, then contact us for in-person help with our unique healthcare approaches. If you are not within the greater Wichita, KS metro, we have created amazing Telehealth and Video Programs to provide you the same high-quality care. Contact our professional chiropractic staff at our East Wichita clinic or West Wichita clinic about possible treatments for your muscle, joint, nutrition, and health-related concerns today.

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