Cupping and Massage Therapy is the base of Level Up
- Tayler Kurtzman
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Over the years I have learned many great techniques that have been incorporated into my business. From corrective exercise to functional neurology. But sometimes the best treatment is working on the soft tissue and helping the body and mind relax. Massage therapy may not solve all your issues but it can be crucial for maintenance work and making sure the existing structures are operating well. So while I love P-DTR there is always place for soft tissue work.
Cupping Therapy is always my first love
Cupping therapy is a technique that utilizes tools like silicone or glass cups to remove oxygen from the inside and when set on the body creates an negative pressure, basically lifts the tissue up. So this is like the opposite of deep tissue massage but often feels far less intense and i find much easier and more relaxing on the clients body as well as practitioner.
Underneath the dermis (skin) we have multiple layers of fascia, water, fat and more. In between these layers we have all the electrical and piping systems like nerve, arteries, veins, and lymphatics. Sometimes when these layers get compressed the electrical and piping have a hard time breathing and can' do their job as well.
Benefits of cupping therapy include:
Decompress and mobilize fascial layers: The negative pressure of the cups help lift and separate the layers allowing for more movement which often can create more space for muscles and improve range of motion
Improved Circulation: Cupping Therapy decompresses the fascia and vasodilates (opens up) the blood vessels so great nutrients can be transported.
Stimulate lymphatic system: Cupping helps bring stagnation to the surface and also opens up the ducts and stimulates them much in the same way of circulation.
Decrease muscle tension: static cups can help help relax the muscles with the consistent pressure. Think of it as a elbow but decompressing and easier on the body.
Help break apart scar tissue: Moving the cups can help break apart scar tissue which helps with rehabbing chronic issues.
Assist in removing stagnation: Static cups can help bring up sticky proteins like blood and other fluids to hit the lymphatic layer. These are the cupping more people often see associated with cupping therapy.
Other Soft Tissue Techniques crucial at Level Up
Intraoral Massage:
Clients can often have issues with the muscles of mastication also known as the jaw muscles that help with chewing. These muscles can become overactive and clients may mention issues with clenching, grinding, clicking joints and pain with opening and closing the jaw. These variety of disorders can be known as TMJD (temporomandibular Joint Disorder). While wearing gloves we can work inside the mouth. This technique known as Intraororal Massage.
Breast and Chest Massage:
Level Up has the proper training and certification to work in the chest region assuming we have both verbal and written consent. If you're having issues around the sternum, surgeries in that region, trouble expanding the chest during inhalation or tight/spastic chest tissue this addition can make a big difference.
Gua Sha (Scrapping):
Gua Sha is a technique that utilizes tools to accomplish deeper results just like cupping. With this technique we can more aggressively tackle soft tissue release or my favorite use is scar tissue mobilization. This work can range from gentle to more aggressive depending on needs and what the body is okay with. I prefer to lean on the side of caution as we can always do more next time.
If you're looking to try out some of these amazing techniques seek out Level Up for your next session.
Learn more about Cupping Therapy here:
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