Cupping and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM)
About Cupping
Cupping therapy has been performed as a healing practice since ancient times. It may also be called: vacuum massage, cupping massage, suction massage, suction cup massage or ventosa cupping. Cupping works by creating a vacuum of negative pressure above the surface of the tissues. The decrease in atmospheric pressure allows the tissues below to be lifted upwards increasing space for the underlying structures. It helps with soft tissue release, increasing blood/lymph circulation and detoxification. Cupping can leave temporary marks and/or discoloration. The color and pattern of the marks depend on the level of stagnation in the area, and range from a bright red to dark purple, usually lasting 3 days to a week - sometimes longer if the person is very sick or sedentary. If there is no stagnation present, there will be only a pink marking which disappears in a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Possible Benefits of cupping include:
Cupping therapy has been performed as a healing practice since ancient times. It may also be called: vacuum massage, cupping massage, suction massage, suction cup massage or ventosa cupping. Cupping works by creating a vacuum of negative pressure above the surface of the tissues. The decrease in atmospheric pressure allows the tissues below to be lifted upwards increasing space for the underlying structures. It helps with soft tissue release, increasing blood/lymph circulation and detoxification. Cupping can leave temporary marks and/or discoloration. The color and pattern of the marks depend on the level of stagnation in the area, and range from a bright red to dark purple, usually lasting 3 days to a week - sometimes longer if the person is very sick or sedentary. If there is no stagnation present, there will be only a pink marking which disappears in a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Possible Benefits of cupping include:
- Deep tissue work and release without discomfort
- Moves stagnation and drains fluids
- Relieves inflammation
- Nervous system sedation
- Breaks up and expels congestion
- Stretches muscle and connective tissues
- Loosens fascial adhesions
- Facilitates the movement of Qi and Blood systemically and locally
- Dispels wind, damp and cold to treat muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis
- Strengthens the immune system by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid
About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Injury and many conditions often lead to muscular guarding and pain. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy treatment technique that utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments (featuring Rockblades 2.0®) to assist in detecting and treating areas exhibiting scar tissue, soft tissue restriction, adhesions or chronic inflammation.
IASTM is relatively gentle and has been found effective for use after injuries.
The instruments are not meant to replace the therapist’s hands, but rather enhance the ability to detect adhesions and soft tissue restrictions. The technique utilizes the instruments, with the use of friction, to treat the targeted tissue, reducing symptoms associated with soft tissue restrictions.
The Benefits of IASTM:
Injury and many conditions often lead to muscular guarding and pain. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy treatment technique that utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments (featuring Rockblades 2.0®) to assist in detecting and treating areas exhibiting scar tissue, soft tissue restriction, adhesions or chronic inflammation.
IASTM is relatively gentle and has been found effective for use after injuries.
The instruments are not meant to replace the therapist’s hands, but rather enhance the ability to detect adhesions and soft tissue restrictions. The technique utilizes the instruments, with the use of friction, to treat the targeted tissue, reducing symptoms associated with soft tissue restrictions.
The Benefits of IASTM:
- Mobilize muscles, tendons and ligaments to decrease pain
- Improve mobility
- Stimulate rehabilitation and recovery
- Increase lymphatic flow
- Various irritating issues such as tennis or golfer’s elbow and Achilles tendinitis
- Chronic muscle strain
- Excessive scarring
- Running-related injuries, including plantar fasciitis and IT band syndrome