Cupping therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years, popping up everywhere from physical therapy clinics to wellness studios to Olympic athletes’ recovery routines. But what is cupping therapy, exactly, and why are so many people swearing by it for relief, recovery, and performance?
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cupping: what cupping therapy is, how it works, the different types, its potential benefits, and what to expect in your first session. Whether you’re a curious first-timer, a clinician exploring new modalities, or someone looking to upgrade your recovery routine, we will walk you through the essentials.
At HawkGrips, we offer the tools and education to support both professionals and individuals looking to integrate cupping into their practice or self-care. Let’s head into how this ancient technique is still making a big impact today.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a form of manual therapy that uses suction to create negative pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. By gently lifting the skin and fascia, cupping is believed to promote blood flow, support healing, and improve mobility. It can be applied to a variety of treatment goals, from muscle recovery and pain relief to reducing stiffness and tension.
So, what is cupping therapy in practice? A trained practitioner applies specialized cups (commonly made of silicone, glass, or plastic) to the body. These cups create suction, either by manual compression or using a pump, and are left in place (static cupping) or moved around (dynamic cupping), depending on the treatment approach.
While cupping therapy has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for centuries across cultures, including Egyptian and Middle Eastern practices, it’s found a place in modern physical therapy, sports medicine, and wellness settings. Today, everyone from Olympic athletes to weekend warriors to people with chronic back pain are turning to cupping therapy for its recovery and performance benefits.
How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
Cupping therapy works by creating negative pressure (a gentle pulling sensation) on the skin and soft tissues beneath it. When suction is applied, the skin lifts slightly away from the underlying muscles and fascia, encouraging fresh blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and tissue mobility in the targeted area. This decompression effect can help release muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
There are two main ways cupping can be performed:
- Static cupping involves placing the cups in one spot and leaving them there for several minutes. As another layer, while the cups remain stationary, the practitioner or patient can gently move the underlying joint or muscle through its range of motion. This combination of suction and active movement can help mobilize tissue and enhance neuromuscular activation.
- Dynamic cupping involves gliding the cups across the skin after applying an emollient to reduce friction. This method can be especially effective for treating larger muscle groups. Dynamic cupping may also be performed with active or passive movement of the body part, allowing the tissue to lengthen, load, or contract while under decompression — a powerful way to restore mobility and reduce restrictions.
For either approach, a lubricant is essential to ensure comfort and effectiveness. HawkGrips offers both an oil-based emollient for smooth glide during dynamic cupping and a water-based option (HawkHydro). The HawkHydro is ideal for sessions that end with taping, since it wipes away easily and leaves no residue.
In clinical settings, cupping is often integrated with other techniques like IASTM, massage, or taping to improve results and provide a more comprehensive approach to recovery.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy can be a powerful addition to treatment and recovery routines. Its effects are both local and systemic, making it a versatile tool across rehab, wellness, and athletic settings. The benefits of cupping therapy include but aren't limited to:
- Improved circulation – Suction helps increase blood flow to targeted areas, accelerating the body’s natural healing processes.
- Reduced muscle tension – Decompressing the tissue can calm overactive muscles and ease tightness.
- Pain and stiffness relief – Especially effective for chronic issues or post-workout soreness.
- Better mobility and recovery – Cupping can enhance soft tissue mobility and support faster recovery after activity or injury.
- Relaxation and nervous system reset – Many users report feeling calmer and more grounded post-treatment.
- Cupping therapy for back pain – One of the more common uses. In fact, many clinical studies on cupping focus specifically on its effects for chronic low back pain.
- Even better when paired with other techniques – Works well alongside massage, kinesiology taping, or IASTM for a more complete treatment approach.
What to Expect in a Cupping Therapy Session
If you're new to cupping, here's what to know before your first session:
What it feels like – Most people describe the sensation as a deep pulling or tightness in the skin and underlying tissue. Some also feel warmth as circulation increases in the area.
How long the cups stay on – Cups are typically left in place for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the area and individual goals. Shorter durations are often used for first-timers or more sensitive spots.
What your skin might look like afterward – Circular marks are common and totally normal. These range from light pink to deep purple and usually fade within a few days. They're a result of increased blood flow and tissue response, not bruising from trauma.
Static vs. dynamic application – Some treatments involve keeping the cups in one spot (static), while others glide the cups along muscle lines (dynamic) for a more massage-like effect.
Safe and customizable – When done correctly, cupping is safe and comfortable. Suction levels, cup size, and duration can all be adjusted to fit each person’s comfort and therapeutic goals.
Clinical and at-home options – Cupping is widely used by trained professionals, but silicone cups make it accessible at home too, with proper guidance or instruction.
Many people love seeing their cupping therapy before and after changes, whether it’s improved mobility, reduced soreness, or visible skin changes that signal a successful session.
Does Cupping Therapy Work?
The short answer: yes, but it depends.
There’s growing research and plenty of anecdotal support showing that cupping therapy can help relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote recovery. Cupping is especially popular with professional athletes and rehabilitation specialists, who use it to manage soreness, improve mobility, and speed up soft tissue recovery. Everyday users report benefits like less stiffness, better circulation, and a deep sense of relaxation.
That said, results vary. Like many bodywork techniques, cupping tends to be most effective when paired with movement, stretching, or other forms of manual therapy.
So… does cupping therapy work? For many people, yes. Especially when it’s used intentionally and consistently as part of a broader recovery or wellness routine.
Want to Try It for Yourself?
Curious about cupping? Whether you're a clinician or just looking to support your own recovery, it's a great tool to add to your routine.
- Our HawkGrips Silicone Cupping Set is easy to use, travel-friendly, and built for durability and control.
- Bonus: It comes with access to an on-demand cupping course (included with purchase) so you can learn how to use it safely and effectively… and earn up to 2 CEUs.
- Want to layer your recovery tools? Cupping pairs well with other HawkGrips modalities like IASTM.
- Whether you're treating patients or just sore from your last workout, cupping can help you move and feel better.
👉 Take a peek at a clip from the course
Quick Cupping Therapy FAQ
Is cupping therapy painful?
Not typically. Most people describe it as a pulling or tight sensation, not pain. If you’re new to cupping or have sensitive skin, you might feel slight discomfort, but the pressure can always be adjusted.
Can I do cupping therapy at home?
Yes… with the right tools and some guidance. Silicone cups (like HawkGrips') are ideal for at-home use. If you're new to cupping, we recommend taking a short course or watching tutorials to learn safe and effective techniques. See ours here and here.
How often should I get cupping therapy?
That depends on your goals. Some people use cupping weekly for recovery, while others do it occasionally for tension relief or injury support. Just be sure to give your skin time to recover between sessions.
What kind of lubricant should I use for cupping?
Use a cupping-friendly emollient to help the cups glide without irritation. HawkGrips offers two options:
- Oil-based emollient cream – great for smooth, dynamic cupping.
- Water-based emollient – wipes off easily and is perfect before applying tape.
Can I combine cupping with other treatments?
Absolutely. Cupping is often layered with other manual therapies like massage, IASTM, and taping for strongest results. Many clinicians build it into their full-body treatment plans.
References for More on Cupping Therapy:
Kim, J. I., Lee, M. S., Lee, D. H., Boddy, K., & Ernst, E. (2011). Cupping for treating pain: a systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011.
Lee, M. S., Choi, T. Y., Shin, B. C., Kim, J. I., & Nam, S. S. (2010). Cupping for hypertension: a systematic review. Clinical and Experimental Hypertension, 32(7), 423-425.
Dal Kwon, Y., & Cho, H. J. (2007). Systematic review of cupping including bloodletting therapy for musculoskeletal diseases in Korea. Korean J Orient Physiol Pathol, 3, I789-93.
Lee, M. S., Choi, T. Y., Shin, B. C., Han, C. H., & Ernst, E. (2010). Cupping for stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review. Journal of the neurological sciences, 294(1-2), 70-73.
Arslan, M., Yaman, G., Ilhan, E., Alemdag, M., Bahar, A., & Dane, S. (2015). Moving dry cupping therapy reduces upper shoulder and neck pain in office workers. Clinical and Investigative Medicine (Online), 38(4), E217.
Lauche, R., Cramer, H., Haller, H., Musial, F., Langhorst, J., Dobos, G. J., & Berger, B. (2012). My back has shrunk: the influence of traditional cupping on body image in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Complementary Medicine Research, 19(2), 68-74.
Warren, A. J., Lacross, Z., Volberding, J. M., & O’Brien, M. S. (2017). Treatment Outcomes of Myofascial Decompression (Cupping Therapy) on Hamstring Pathology. Journal of Athletic Training, 52(6), S97.
Gregory, C., Powers, M. E., & Gildard, M. (2017). A Comparison of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Dry Cupping and Their Effect on Shoulder Range of Motion. Journal of Athletic Training, 52(6), S96.
Cao, H., Han, M., Li, X., Dong, S., Shang, Y., Wang, Q., ... & Liu, J. (2010). Clinical research evidence of cupping therapy in China: a systematic literature review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 10(1), 70.
Cao, H., Li, X., Yan, X., Wang, N. S., Bensoussan, A., & Liu, J. (2014). Cupping therapy for acute and chronic pain management: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 1(1), 49-61.