Eastern-style cupping therapy has been used for thousands of years focusing on the meridian system, stationary cupping, and as an intended outcome of the therapeutic goal, marking where the cup is applied.

A recently developed form of cupping is becoming increasingly popular due to a growing body of research and discoveries about our fascial system and its central role in movement, pain, and the immune response. Myofascial cupping can be used on its own, or in conjunction with other therapies, to address many common conditions, injuries, and pain syndromes that many seek treatment for.

Cups may be “parked” for short durations of time, but are otherwise used in motion. Some treatments also use simultaneous movement by the client, providing profound changes in range of motion, tension reduction, and pain relief. 

Physiotherapist Dr. Chris DaPrato of the University of California, San Francisco Health, using functional MRI to show the positive effects of this type of cupping treatment, presented his research at the last International Fascia Research Congress in Montreal.

What is Fascia? 

The Fascial Research Society (FRS) defines the fascial system as, “consisting of the three-dimensional continuum of soft, collagen containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body. The fascial system surrounds, interweaves between, and interpenetrates all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibres, endowing the body with a functional structure, and providing an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner.”

For manual therapists, the fascia is an essential part of the body that much of their work focuses on. One of the most effective and targeted methods they can now use to treat the fascia is myofascial cupping therapy.

The Myofascial Cupping Technique

This technique is a specific training program developed by David Sheehan of Melbourne, Australia, who has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), Diploma of Health Science (Remedial Massage), and Diploma of Education. 

Over time, David developed his own protocols while working as lead trainer with Australian football clubs. In 2002, he began teaching his system to massage therapists and physiotherapists at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), and in New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. 

David is currently conducting a clinical trial at Hobart Hospital Burns Clinic (Australia). These techniques have shown a positive effect on burn’s scar tissue reducing contracture and associated neurogenic pain, along with techniques translated into clinical work for other types of scar tissue.

David has been providing workshops in Canada for over 15 years. For the last year and a half, he has been training Monty Churchman and me to be lead instructors for his Foundation Courses here in Canada. This will allow David to focus on delivering advanced cupping workshops and ultrasound assisted cupping demonstrations.

How is it different to other massage techniques? 

Unlike massage techniques that use compression, the Myofascial Cupping Technique™ is unique in that it “lifts and separates” soft tissue, using adjustable negative, or tensional, pressure within the cups increasing nutrient-rich blood supply to the tissue. Movement of the cups creates a traditional myofascial release (MFR), while giving a gentle passive stretch to the underlying soft tissue. 

Cupping is thought to affect hyaluronan viscosity, the lubricant that reduces friction and facilitates movement between fascial layers, increasing mobility and reducing pain. By reducing fascial adhesions, while encouraging optimal hydration levels of soft tissue, the Myofascial Cupping Technique can assist in reducing the incidence of injury, maintaining functional soft tissue, and reducing pain. 

Marking skin is not part of the desired treatment outcome, performed at a pressure level is almost painless to the client.

The Myofascial Cupping Technique is a unique evidenced-based treatment option for anyone looking for treatment of injuries, relief from pain, or as a preventive therapy. It is also a fabulous addition to the toolbox for Manual Therapists.

Benefits from the Myofascial Cupping Technique

This technique can provide profound benefits:

• maintaining range of motion
• eliminating myofascial trigger points
  
• reducing general pain, headaches and back pain
  
• supporting healing within chronic conditions
  
• reducing fascial adhesions commonly found from scarring, surgeries or repetitive movement within sports and the workplace. 
• relaxation and stress relief

Upcoming Courses in Myofascial Cupping Technique

International Lecturer in Manual Therapy, James Waslaski, describes David’s Myofascial Cupping Technique workshops as “the best cupping course by far… The Myofascial Cupping Technique takes Manual Therapy to a whole other level, in particular with soft tissue release and joint mobilization.”

Complementary Health Seminars: Cupping courses and products for massage and other manual therapists visit comphs.com.au.

Foundation Courses • Paul Buffel, Lead Instructor + Monty Churchman, May Instructor

• March 22 & 23 • Saskatoon • Axiom Career College 
  
• May 8 & 9 • Edmonton • Varscona Hotel
  
• Attending the Canadian Massage Conference • Saskatoon September 12–14
  

Who uses the Myofascial Cupping Technique?

• Massage & Remedial therapists
  
• Myotherapists
  
• Podiatrists
  
• Physiotherapists
  
• Chiropractors
  
• Osteopaths
  
• Occupational therapists
  
• Sport medicine professionals

Why should you attend?

• Learn to lift and separate soft tissue, rather than compress.
  
• Change from the “thumb busting” approach in treatment.
  
• Treat conditions more effectively incorporating negative pressure.
  
• Create change on a musculoskeletal and subtle level (dampens sympathetic division of autonomic nervous system).
  
• Produce painless results similar to deep tissue work.
  
• Offer clients an alternative to standard manual therapy treatments.

Paul Buffel, RMT, Thai Massage Practitioner and Educator, works within a dynamic clinical practice at the multi-disciplinary Broadway Health Collective in Saskatoon, SK. With over 29 years in practice, he utilizes the Myofascial Cupping Technique™ within his treatments. He is also engaged in matters of regulation through membership with the Council of Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation (CLEAR), has completed the Executive Leadership course for Regulators, and sits on the Saskatchewan College of Massage Therapy Working Group. He brings his experience as past board member and president of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC), and the fun of being a board member of Canada’s first Fat Bike Club, Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade, to enrich his work within the profession, his teaching, and with clients. To contact him, see the Broadway Health Collective display ad on page 10 of the 30.6 March/April issue of the WHOLifE Journal.