Cupping Therapy – An Effective Recovery Method
This article examines the effectiveness of cupping therapy as an athletic recovery tool by exploring its impact on circulation, inflammation, and mobility, as well as assessing whether its benefits are evidence-based.
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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
REFERENCES
- Al-Horani, RA, Alsays, KM, and Ihsan, M. Influence of cupping treatment on high-intensity anaerobic performance. Kinesiology 54(2): 230-237, 2022.
- Cage, SA, Gallegos, DM, Coulombe, B, and Warner, BJ. Clinical experts statement: The definition, prescription, and application of dry cupping therapy. Clinical Practical Athletic Training 2(2): 4-11, 2019.
- Dinallo, A. A reflection on cupping therapy and historical medical dominance. International Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine 12(2): 66-68, 2019.
- Ferguson, M. What is cupping – is it for me? Physiolete Therapy and Performance, 2023.
- Furhad, S, Sina, RE, and Bokhari, AA. Cupping therapy. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2025
- Khan, R, Shamsi, Y, Khan, SA, Nikhat, S, and Akhtar, W. Hijāmah (cupping therapy) for pain management in patients with cervical spondylosis. Alternative therapies in health and medicine. 29(7): 268-271, 2023.
- Lu, CC, Hung, BL, Zheng, AC, Chen, YY, and Fang, SH. Posttraining dry cupping treatment elevates heart rate variability in taekwondo athletes. Journal of Physiological Investigation 68(2): 84-90, 2025.
- Markowski, A, Sanford, S, Pikowski, J, Fauvell, D, Cimino, D, and Caplan, S. A pilot study analyzing the effects of Chinese cupping as an adjunct treatment for patients with subacute low back pain on relieving pain, improving range of motion, and improving function. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 20(2): 113–117, 2014.
- Nakano, J, Yamabayashi, C, Scott, AW, and Reid, D. The effect of heat applied with stretch to increase range of motion: A systematic review. Physical Therapy in Sport 13(3): 180-188, 2012.
- Wang, X, Zhang, X, Elliott, J, Liao, F, Tao, J, and Jan, YK. Effect of pressures and durations of cupping therapy on skin blood flow responses. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 8: 608509, 2020.
- Warken, RE, Reid, E, and Harp, CM. Cupping therapy treatment on range of motion. The Sport Journal, 2024.
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