Cupping Therapy and Deep Tissue Massage – Which Is More Beneficial?

In the 2016 Rio Olympics, the old traditional Chinese medicine, cupping made a wave when swimmers, gymnasts, and other athletes were seen with round marks left by the therapy. Many were unsure of what the cupping therapy Vancouver was and there were several speculations.

Here are a few facts about cupping therapy and how it can be extremely helpful for your body and health, especially for people with chronic pain.

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping is a kind of deep tissue massage Vancouver in which counter-pressure is created using small cups that works deep muscle fascia. Instead of compressing, muscles, fascia, and fluid are lifted to facilitate their movement in therapeutic ways. At the time suction device on the cup is used or the sir inside the cup is heated to create a vacuum before placing it on the skin, to create counter-pressure.

Along with other alternative medicine, cupping has a long history in many cultures. There are some studies on cupping, showing the positive outcome of it but there has to be a significant study on its benefits. Many athletes and other people have had the first-hand experience of cupping and how it helped them, however, the western medical community has not yet fully the cupping therapy Vancouver.

The round marks left on the body after cupping therapy are misunderstood at large, terming them as bruises. The pink, purple, or red marks on the body are not really bruises, as bruises are results of trauma, with subdermal bleeding and at times may be sore. Cupping is, however, much like hickey and the color of the marks depends upon the type and amount of toxins released from muscles and nearby tissues during the cupping therapy. Specialists use these marks as the diagnostic tool, as it reveals what is happening internally in that part of the body. These marks usually last for 2 to 4 days, depending upon the issue.

It is particularly considered beneficial for people with chronic pain or nerve pain. Some people use cupping therapy regularly along with other modalities.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage Vancouver is a massage technique that is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues like strains and other sports injuries. Inner layers of muscles and connective tissues are targeted with slow deep strokes and by applying sustained pressure. It aids in breaking the scar tissues that are formed after injury and minimize the tension in tissue and muscles.

The blood flow is increased through it and inflammation is reduced, leading to faster healing.

How deep tissue massage helps? 

There physical as well as psychological benefits of deep tissue massage. Instead of providing relaxation like other massages, deep-tissue massage Vancouver provides relief from stiff muscles and muscle pain. Whereas, it also relieves mentally.

A study conducted in 2014 showed that deep tissue massage has helped people with a chronic low back. Other than this, the massage helped with sports injuries, fibromyalgia, sciatica, high blood pressure, and tennis elbow.

The procedure

Before starting the process, the therapist examines the area with a problem. The deep tissue massage Vancouver can be done full body or to any particular part of the body.

The person to be treated is then asked to lie down on the back or the stomach, the area to be treated has to be exposed for a better treatment process.

The massage starts with therapists warming up the muscles using lighter strokes. After warming up the muscles, the actual work is done on the area with an issue. Then the deep kneading and stroking are used with various pressure intensity required.

Possible Side effects

After the deep tissue massage, little soreness is common for a few days, which can be relieved using a heating pad or cold pack wrapped in a towel.

Though generally, it is safe, firm pressures are used during the massage which may not be suitable for all. A few checkup and medical history are analyzed by a doctor before starting the procedure, like:

• Any medical history or clotting disorder

• If a patient is using blood thinners

• If they have any bleeding disorder

• Have cancer or undergoing any treatment for cancer

Special care is to be taken before any kind of massage like deep tissue massage Vancouver.