Cupping

An alternative treatment tool used by chiropractors aimed at reducing stiffness and pain, while increasing function by decompressing and mobilizing soft tissues. This ancient technique has been around for centuries, used by physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and other body workers in every corner of the world. There are two main proposed mechanisms by which this technique may provide benefits. 

The pain gate theory suggests that cupping therapy stimulates large nerve fibers by generating touch, pressure, and vibrational sensations, which inhibit pain signal transmission to the brain via the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The suction mechanism of cupping increases peripheral nociceptor activity, activating large-fiber nerves responsive to stimuli, potentially contributing to pain relief.

The diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) theory suggests that pain in one area can be suppressed by pain in another. In humans, this is known as conditioned pain modulation (CPM), where conditioning reduces pain response. While cupping therapy is used for idiopathic pain syndromes, its exact mechanism involving DNIC remains unclear, with proposed hypotheses including distraction, DNIC activation, or a deoxidation effect.

Cupping is a great tool that a chiropractor can use in conjunction with other tools. Alone, cupping is not likely to create a long-lasting change in the pain we experience. However, when performed with other forms of passive therapies and specific, targeted exercise, the benefits tend to compound, creating lasting change.