What is cupping?
Cupping therapy primarily works by applying negative pressure to the skin and underlying tissues, which improves local blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, and facilitates the removal of metabolic waste products. This helps to relax tight muscles and promote recovery. Professional athletes have increased their interest in using cupping therapy to relieve muscle fatigue and soreness ( Trofa et al.,2020). The goal of cupping therapy is to remove toxins or harmful substances from the body by creating negative pressure under the cup that draws out these substances ( Lowe,2017).
What is skin scraping (Gua Sha)?
Skin scraping, also known as coining or spooning, is commonly practiced in Southeast Asia to improve circulation. A tool is used to rub skin that has been treated with oil; symmetric, linear ecchymoses may result. Gua Sha (press-stroking) is a traditional Chinese healing technique utilized to combat pain, common cold, heatstroke, and respiratory problems 1. Patterned ecchymoses may appear due to the action of scraping and scratching repeatedly and in a unidirectional manner, with a smooth edge over a lubricated area 2. The petechiae readily fade to ecchymoses that resolve completely within several days. Gua Sha literally means “scratch the sand” 2.
What is Kinesio Taping?
Kinesio tape, developed by Kenzo Kase in 1996, is a flexible therapeutic tape with an acrylic adhesive designed to prevent injuries, aid recovery, and improve performance. It stretches up to 120 %–140 % of its original length, making it more elastic and less restrictive than regular tape, and can be applied with varying levels of stretch to imitate the skin’s properties. Kinesio taping has gained popularity in managing musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions ( Kase et al.,2003). Research indicates that it may improve muscle function, reposition joints, enhance proprioception, reduce pain, and promote blood and lymphatic flow ( Cortesi et al.,2011; Lee et al.,2011; Lee and Yoo,2012; Liu et al.,2019; Shim et al.,2003) Furthermore, it has shown potential in alleviating pain and enhancing range of motion and function during DOMS, particularly in amateur athletes ( Rezaei et al.,2021).
What is spinal manipualtion?
Practitioners use their hands or specialized devices to apply a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust to a joint, moving it beyond its usual range of motion. This action can trigger a release of pressure, often causing a “popping” sound (cavitation). Dr. Megan is NOT a chiropractor, so she does NOT do adjustments. She provides spinal manipulation only after other forms of bodywork have been applied to the patient’s body, as spinal manipulation is not always indicated once soft tissue and fascia have been addressed.
References:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Apple Bodemer; Raja Sivamani; Peter Lio. Dermatology, 133, 2354-2361
Immediate and acute effects of kinesio taping and kinesio taping combined with cupping therapy on delayed onset muscle soreness: A randomized controlled trial. Ekalak Sitthipornvorakul, PhD; Prakit Khlairian, BPT; Saruta Supharatchadaphan, BPT; Siwakorn Aupacome, BPT; Raksuda Taniguchi, MCM; Pooriput Waongenngarm, PhD. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, October 01, 2025, Volume 44, Pages 415-422, Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Gua Sha a traditional Chinese healing technique that could mimick physical abuse: A potential issue with forensic implications. Aprile; C. Pomara; E. Turillazzi. Forensic Science International, April 01, 2015, Volume 249, Pages e19-e20, Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation-what-you-need-to-know