Curious about cupping? Ever hear of soft tissue scraping (aka gua sha/blading)? Maybe you've seen the dark circles and/or marks on athletes or especially swimmers during the olympics. Or perhaps you have a friend who's experienced these tools and thinks you should too! We encourage all our clients to be open to giving it a try, and we offer the benefits of these tools at NO additional charge during Advanced Bodywork sessions when we feel it can be beneficial.
What ARE soft tissue tools and why should I try them??
The purpose of these technique is to promote health and healing by loosening soft tissue and connective tissue, scarring and adhesions. It also assists in moving stagnation and increasing lymphatic flow and circulation. Additional benefits include drawing toxins and inflammation from the body to the surface of the skin where the lymphatic system can more readily eliminate them.
Cupping: silicone cups will be utilized to create suction on the body surface. These cups are moved over the skin using gliding, shaking, popping, and rotating techniques while gently pulling up on the cup, or may be parked for a short time to facilitate deeper joint mobilization or soft tissue release. Suction expands the tissue and muscle fibers and reaches deep into the soft tissue, attachments, and organs.
Scraping: flat tools with soft rounded edges made of stone, metal, or stainless steel will be used with light pressure to glide across the skin in different directions to help loosen adhesions and stimulate a circulatory and smoothing response in the superficial soft tissue.
Cupping: silicone cups will be utilized to create suction on the body surface. These cups are moved over the skin using gliding, shaking, popping, and rotating techniques while gently pulling up on the cup, or may be parked for a short time to facilitate deeper joint mobilization or soft tissue release. Suction expands the tissue and muscle fibers and reaches deep into the soft tissue, attachments, and organs.
Scraping: flat tools with soft rounded edges made of stone, metal, or stainless steel will be used with light pressure to glide across the skin in different directions to help loosen adhesions and stimulate a circulatory and smoothing response in the superficial soft tissue.
Is it painful?
Each of us is unique and we experience different sensations and results based on a number of various factors. While these techniques are generally well received, there are times when it can be a little intense in certain areas of the body. Many clients report that it feels "interesting, different, and good" especially on the back. Most often it can become more intense when applied over large muscle groups such as the upper legs (quads/IT band) and areas where the skin is thinner and closer to the bone and tendons (side body/rib cage, shin). While it can be intense at times during the process, most clients experience an almost immediate relief and palpable difference in the feel of their tissue directly after. Over time, the more cupping and soft tissue scraping you receive the less uncomfortable in can become.
Side note... Often times, healing can be challenging and sometimes painful. Change is uncomfortable... however it is necessary for growth! And so the question is, are you willing to experience a little discomfort for a higher level of well-being and a lower level of pain in your body?
"Grow through what you Go through!"
What can I expect from a treatment with these tools?
Use of the tools may be applied throughout the course of a massage session on specific areas of the body where tissue and fascia feel tight, painful and/or are stubborn about wanting to release through traditional manual therapy techniques. Your therapist will let you know if they plan to use either the cups and/or scraping tools and will check in with you throughout the application.
Potential reactions to Cupping and scraping are temporary and may include some discoloration due to toxins and stagnant blood being brought to the skin’s surface. This discoloration is not a bruise because it is not damaging tissue due to impact or trauma. Most discoloration begins to dissipate and fade within a few hours but may last several days. Post tenderness can also occur which is usually less than experienced from deep tissue work. You may experience possible redness and Itching due to increased vaso-dilation and/or inflammation brought to the surface, and Decreased Blood Pressure also due to vaso-dilation and/or nervous system sedation.
Please note: Clients who take blood thinners or are pregnant should NOT receive treatment with these tools!
Use of the tools may be applied throughout the course of a massage session on specific areas of the body where tissue and fascia feel tight, painful and/or are stubborn about wanting to release through traditional manual therapy techniques. Your therapist will let you know if they plan to use either the cups and/or scraping tools and will check in with you throughout the application.
Potential reactions to Cupping and scraping are temporary and may include some discoloration due to toxins and stagnant blood being brought to the skin’s surface. This discoloration is not a bruise because it is not damaging tissue due to impact or trauma. Most discoloration begins to dissipate and fade within a few hours but may last several days. Post tenderness can also occur which is usually less than experienced from deep tissue work. You may experience possible redness and Itching due to increased vaso-dilation and/or inflammation brought to the surface, and Decreased Blood Pressure also due to vaso-dilation and/or nervous system sedation.
Please note: Clients who take blood thinners or are pregnant should NOT receive treatment with these tools!
We would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have and discuss these incredibly effective technique more with you when you come in for your session! We look forward to working with you!