Charlotte cupping therapy is a specific healing practice that stems from traditional Chinese medicine. Lately, it has become popular in the modern wellness world to reduce pain and inflammation while helping patients relax. This is achieved by placing cups on the skin to create a suction effect. This can stimulate blood flow, enhance the lymphatic drainage process, and release muscle tension.
At Carolina Sports Clinic, we integrate the power of cupping therapy into our treatment services to help athletes recover faster and improve their future performance. Our team of practitioners can use cupping to target any area of concern that is giving our clients trouble, including sore muscles and stiff joints. When combining cupping therapy with other evidence-based health and wellness offers, like acupuncture or massage, our patients can recover fast and efficiently.
There are many different steps involved in the cupping therapy process to help patients realize the benefits they are looking for. The following steps can show how cupping therapy is administered:
Before the session begins, a practitioner will take time to better understand what discomfort or tension their patient is experiencing. This will help them determine where on the body would be the most impactful place to apply the cups. The skin will be cleaned and lubricated before the session starts.
Patients can choose between dry or wet cupping. Dry cupping is the most common form, where the cups are used to create a suction experience on the skin without making any incisions. Conversely, wet cupping requires the therapist to make small, superficial cuts on the skin before they apply the cups. The logic behind this extra step in wet cupping is that the small amount of blood that will be drawn out from the incisions can help remove toxins from the patient’s body.
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Once the area is prepared for therapy, the therapist will begin heating the inside of the cup. As the air becomes heated, the cup will expand. Once the heat source is removed, the cup is quickly placed directly onto the patient’s skin. At this point, the air inside will cool and contract. This is what creates the vacuum effect that draws the skin and underlying tissues up into the cup.
The therapist will strategically place the cups on specific parts of the body, depending on where the patient is experiencing discomfort. Some common location points include the back, shoulders, and legs. Either stationary or sliding cups will be used. Stationary cups remain in one place during the entire session, while sliding cups can be moved gently across the skin to cover more area. Sliding cups are great when treating larger muscle groups.
Once the session is over, the cups are removed. Your skin will likely have either bruises or circular marks where the cups were placed. These are completely safe and will fade away after a few days. This is an expected part of the process, which indicates that the body is using its natural healing mechanisms to restore itself.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain anywhere in your body, contact us today to book an appointment at Carolina Sports Clinic to see if cupping therapy could be right for you. Our team can take a detailed inventory of the issues you are having. We can then present a tailored treatment strategy that can help you get back to doing the physical activity you enjoy.


