Author: Danielle Majercsak, BA, CEMT
Many of you may have noticed that we implement a fair amount of fascia cupping and kinesiology taping into our treatments lately. What is it? Why do we do it?
What is Fascia Decompression?
Most massage therapy techniques involve compression of the muscles and fascia. This includes deep tissue techniques, trigger point techniques and joint mobilization techniques. Massage using compression helps to increase temperature and circulation , while also softening and lengthening the muscle tissue and activating the parasympathetic response. Alternatively we can also utilize fascia decompression techniques during our massage sessions. Decompression involves lifting and separating the skin, fascia and muscle using negative pressure. Cupping, tapping and fascia tools (also known as Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) are all types of fascia decompression.
What is Kinesiology taping?
Kinesiology taping is the application of a specific and very stretchy type of therapeutic tape usually made out of cotton and nylon with a medical grade adhesive. This tape mimics the elasticity of skin.
When applied it then recoils slightly lifting the skin via the hair, this creates space between the skin and the tissues that are underneath it5. Over joints, this can also create space within the joint.5
What is Fascia Cupping?
Fascia cupping (Myofascial Decompression) is soft tissue therapy that involves decompression of the fascia.
The cups create a vacuum like effect through the suction of the cup. This suction lifts up the fascia, muscles and fluids that sit close to the surface of the skin1 .
How is Fascia Cupping and Kinesiology Taping Beneficial ?
Fascia decompression works by lifting up and separating layers of tissue (fascia). This creates space in the tissues to allow for increased flow of fluids (blood & lymph) and to increase the glide of the fascia. Decompressing the fascia “hydrates” the fascia allowing it to glide freely over the muscles, ensuring more freedom of movement. Fascia adhesions and restrictions can cause pathology through compensation throughout the body. It is also believed that fascia decompression can change pain pathways in the neurological system5 by freeing up any restrictions around compressed nerves and increasing the body’s awareness and natural healing capability. Overall this allows the body to move in a more functional posture.
Freeing up the fascia provides the following benefits:
Relieves pain.
Detox metabolic waste
Reduces trigger points & stress points
Increases flow of blood (better circulation)
Increases the flow of lymph (healthier body filtration system/immune system)
Improves ROM
Reduces scar tissue
Increases proprioception by bringing neurological awareness to the part of the body being treated
An article published by the National Library of Medicine had the following conclusions after their research on cupping in support of knee arthritis:
“The study aimed to evaluate the effect of cupping therapy at a clinical setting for knee osteoarthritis. A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted. Cupping was performed on 0-6(th) day; 9-11(th) day and 14(th) day, i.e., 11 sittings follow-up to determine longer term carryover of treatment effects utilizing both objective and subjective assessment. The assessment was performed before and after treatment spreading over a period of 15 days. The results of this study shows significant and better results in the overall management of knee osteoarthritis, particularly in relieving pain, edema, stiffness and disability. The efficacy of treatment with cupping therapy in relieving signs and symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is comparable to that of acetaminophen 650 mg thrice a day orally, in terms of analgesia, anti-inflammatory and resolution of edema with minimal and temporary side-effects like echymosis and blister formation while as control drug has greater side-effects particularly on upper gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended that further studies are conducted with a larger study samples and of longer duration” 4.
What are some conditions that fascia cupping is indicated for?
General pain and tension.
Arthritis4
Scar tissue.
Rib restriction.
Trigger & stress points.
Myofascia tension & adhesion3
Lumbosacral tension3
Old hemotomas3
The dorsal fascia line of the horse3
References:
1 (n.d.). Myofascial Cupping and It's Benefits. City Physiotherapy. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://cityphysiotherapy.com.au/myofascial-cupping/
2(n.d.). Equine Fascia, Cupping, and Blade Courses. Sozo Equine. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://www.sozoequinemo.com/
3(2021, December 9). Tips and Tricks for Veterinary Cupping. Onlinepethealth. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://onlinepethealth.com/tips-and-tricks-for-veterinary-cupping/
4 Khan, A. A., Jahangir, U., & Urooj, S. (2013). Management of knee osteoarthritis with cupping therapy. NIH: National Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.121417
5 Stanborough, R. J. (2019, December 20). What is Kinesiology Tape. Healthline. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/kinesiology-tape
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