Cupping Therapy on Salt Spring Island

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What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy uses negative pressure to gently lift and decompress the layers of skin, fascia, and muscle. This process stimulates local blood flow, reduces soft tissue restriction, and helps ease tension. At Gulf Islands Chiropractic, we offer both intermittent vacuum cupping with the Vacuator and dynamic electronic cupping with the Theracup, tailoring the method to each patient’s comfort and therapeutic needs.

 

Unlike traditional static cupping, our approach is movement-based and adjustable, allowing for a more functional, comfortable, and modern experience within musculoskeletal care.

 

How Does It Work?

Cupping works by creating a controlled suction effect on the skin, which:

• Releases fascial adhesions and myofascial tension

• Enhances local blood circulation and lymphatic drainage

• Encourages healing in restricted or congested tissue areas

• Reduces protective muscle guarding

• Stimulates the nervous system to help reset pain pathways

 

We often combine cupping with guided movement or soft tissue therapy to maximize outcomes and support tissue glide and mobility.

 

What Can Cupping Help?

Soft Tissue and Fascia-Related Pain

• Chronic neck or upper back tension

• Postural muscle tightness

• Shoulder and rotator cuff mobility restrictions

• Hip, gluteal, and iliotibial band tightness

• Rib and intercostal tension

Recovery and Circulation Support

• Muscle soreness following activity or injury

• Reduced limb circulation or stagnant tissue zones

• Lymphatic congestion or puffiness

 

Cupping also complements care for conditions such as:

• Gluteal tendinopathy

• Hip bursitis

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy

• Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tightness

 

What Does It Feel Like?

Most patients describe cupping as a gentle pulling sensation on the skin. With dynamic cupping (Theracup), cups glide across muscle pathways to create a rhythmic release. The Vacuator offers more localized and deeper decompression. Mild tingling or warmth is common during treatment, and temporary circular marks may appear post-session, these are normal and typically fade within a few days.

 

Integrated With Neuro-Release Therapy

Cupping is a key component of our Neuro-Release Therapy system. It is frequently integrated with:

• Vibration therapy to calm the nervous system

• Active Release to release surrounding soft tissue tension

• Shockwave and laser therapy to promote cellular repair

• TENS and EMS to rebalance neuromuscular activity

 

Together, this combination supports tissue mobility, circulation, and long-term pain relief.

 

Is It Right for Me?

Cupping therapy may be a good fit if:

• You feel restricted or tense in a specific body region

• Massage or stretching has not fully addressed your issue

• You want to improve local circulation and reduce chronic tightness

 

It is a safe, adaptable treatment for a wide range of conditions, from athletic recovery to long-standing muscular restrictions.