Introduction – Cupping Therapy: Helpful or Harmful?

Maybe you’ve seen the round, red circles on Olympic swimmers or heard a friend rave about how cupping “pulled the pain out.” It’s hard to ignore how popular this ancient therapy has become. But here’s something many people don’t talk about enough: cupping isn’t risk-free.

While cupping can offer some relief, there are real dangers if it’s done incorrectly—or if it’s not the right fit for your body in the first place. At Simply Physio, we believe it’s essential to understand the potential risks so you can make safe, informed decisions about your health. Let’s dive into what cupping is, why it might be risky, and what safer alternatives might suit your body better.

Understanding Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a type of alternative medicine that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction is believed to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle tension. It dates back thousands of years and is used in many cultures—from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Middle Eastern healing practices.

The process typically involves:

• Heating the inside of glass or silicone cups (to create a vacuum)
  
• Placing them on the skin, usually on the back, shoulders, or legs
  
• Leaving them for several minutes (sometimes up to 15 minutes)
  
• Removing them to reveal circular marks—often dark red or purple
  

In modern wellness circles, cupping is often advertised as a cure-all for everything from muscle soreness to migraines. But just because something is “natural” or “traditional” doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe.

Common Causes of Cupping Injuries or Side Effects

Cupping can go wrong for a few key reasons—technique, timing, and individual health conditions. Let’s break down the common ways people get hurt or experience complications from cupping:

1. Skin Damage and Burns

Some cupping methods involve fire to create suction, and if done improperly, it can cause burns, blisters, and open wounds. Even non-fire cupping can cause skin tears if the suction is too strong or left on for too long.

2. Bruising That Lasts Too Long

It’s normal to see red or purple marks after a cupping session—but these marks are not just “harmless bruises.” They’re actually caused by burst capillaries under the skin. In sensitive individuals, these marks can become painful, inflamed, or even infected.

3. Worsened Medical Conditions

If you have underlying issues like blood clotting disorders, varicose veins, eczema, psoriasis, or thin skin (due to aging or medication), cupping can worsen your condition. It may lead to bleeding under the skin or skin infections.

4. Nerve Irritation or Muscle Soreness

If cups are placed near nerves or joints (like the spine or neck), they can compress delicate structures and lead to nerve pain or inflammation. Some people report soreness that lasts for days and even feels worse than the original issue.

5. Cross-Contamination and Infection

Poor hygiene or reused equipment can lead to bacterial infections, especially if the skin was broken during the session. In rare cases, people have developed cellulitis or abscesses from improperly sterilized cupping tools.

6. No Real Benefit – Just Risk

One of the biggest concerns is that cupping might give false hope. Some people use it as a “quick fix” while ignoring real issues—like herniated discs, nerve compression, or chronic inflammation—that need more targeted treatment like physical therapy.

How to Know If Cupping Isn’t Right for You

So how do you know if cupping could be risky for you? Here are a few red flags:

• You take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
  
• You bruise easily or have sensitive skin
  
• You have diabetes or compromised immune health
  
• You have deep muscle or nerve pain that hasn’t been evaluated
  
• You’ve tried cupping before and noticed lasting bruising, soreness, or dizziness
  

If any of these apply to you, it’s best to consult with a licensed physical therapist or healthcare provider before trying cupping.

Getting a Proper Diagnosis Instead

Before diving into any type of bodywork or therapy, the most important step is figuring out what’s actually causing your pain.

At Simply Physio, we help clients identify what’s really going on—whether it’s muscle tension, nerve entrapment, joint dysfunction, or inflammation. Here’s how:

• Thorough movement assessments
  
• Posture and gait evaluations
  
• Neurological testing (when needed)
  
• Hands-on palpation to detect tissue and joint issues
  

Pain is a signal, not a nuisance. And if you’re using cupping to cover up that signal, you might be missing an opportunity to actually heal.

Treatment Options That Are Safer and Smarter

If you’re curious about cupping, it might be because you’re feeling tight, achy, or in need of relief. Good news: there are safer and more effective options that offer both short- and long-term benefits.

Manual Therapy

Our team uses evidence-based manual therapy techniques to release tension, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain—without the trauma of cupping-induced bruising.

Learn more about our manual therapy approach here

Dry Needling

If you’re curious about techniques that target deep muscle knots, dry needling can be a more precise and regulated alternative to cupping.

Discover how dry needling works for pain relief

Tailored Exercise Plans

Sometimes the real answer is strengthening weak muscles, improving posture, or restoring mobility. We create custom rehab programs that address the root of your discomfort—so you’re not chasing temporary relief.

How to Prevent Pain Without Cupping

If you’ve been turning to cupping out of desperation or routine, it might be time to explore healthier habits that actually support your body long-term:

Focus on Mobility and Strength

Daily stretching, mobility drills, and basic strength training can reduce tightness and prevent pain before it starts.

Address Stress and Recovery

Tension often builds up from poor sleep, overtraining, or chronic stress. Learning how to recover—whether through breathwork, proper hydration, or movement-based therapy—can make a big difference.

Work With a Professional

Instead of guessing what’s wrong or experimenting with risky treatments, work with someone who knows the body and can safely guide your healing journey.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Gamble with Your Health

Cupping might be trendy. It might even feel good for a few minutes. But in many cases, it’s not worth the risk—especially when there are better, safer options that actually fix the problem.

At Simply Physio, we’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and heal without guesswork or gimmicks. If you’re dealing with pain or tightness, we’d love to help you find a solution that lasts—without leaving bruises behind.

Let’s Find a Better Way to Heal

If you’ve tried cupping—or you’re considering it—let’s talk first. Our expert team at Simply Physio can help you figure out what’s really going on and create a treatment plan that actually works for you.

No fads. No fluff. Just real relief.

Schedule your consultation today
Your body deserves better.