Cupping Therapy

Near Glen Carbon

Cupping therapy is a soft-tissue treatment that uses negative pressure to help improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and support recovery from pain or injury. At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, cupping is used as part of a comprehensive care plan to help relieve tight muscles, restore mobility, and improve tissue health for long-term movement and performance.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CUPPING THERAPY?

MUSCLE TENSION & PAIN RELIEF

Cupping therapy helps relieve muscle tension and discomfort by creating gentle suction on the skin and underlying tissues. This negative pressure lifts soft tissue rather than compressing it, helping release tight muscle fibers and reduce restrictions that contribute to pain. As circulation increases to the treated area, oxygen and nutrients are delivered more efficiently to stressed or irritated tissues.


For patients dealing with chronic muscle tightness, soreness from physical activity, or discomfort caused by repetitive movement or poor posture, cupping can help reduce tension and improve comfort. Many individuals notice a feeling of looseness and improved mobility after treatment, making it easier to move and participate in rehabilitation exercises that support long-term recovery.

IMPROVED CIRCULATION & TISSUE HEALTH

One of the primary benefits of cupping therapy is its ability to enhance circulation in targeted areas of the body. The suction created by the cups draws blood to the surface and promotes increased flow within deeper tissues. Improved circulation helps support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and encourage the body’s natural healing response.


This increased blood flow is especially beneficial for muscles and connective tissues that may be tight, under-recovered, or lacking adequate circulation. By improving tissue health at a local level, cupping therapy helps prepare the body for movement-based treatment, strength work, and corrective exercise—allowing patients to get more out of each session at Superior Chiropractic & Rehab.

SCAR TISSUE & FASCIAL MOBILITY

Over time, injuries, surgeries, or repetitive stress can lead to the formation of scar tissue and fascial restrictions that limit movement and cause discomfort. Cupping therapy helps address these restrictions by lifting and separating layers of tissue, allowing them to move more freely. This can improve tissue glide and reduce adhesions that interfere with normal motion.


By improving fascial mobility, cupping therapy supports better range of motion and more efficient movement patterns. This makes it especially useful for individuals with lingering tightness, postural strain, or chronic soft tissue issues that haven’t responded well to traditional stretching alone. When tissues move better, joints are placed under less stress, reducing the risk of recurring pain or injury.

RECOVERY, PERFORMANCE & REHABILITATION SUPPORT

Cupping therapy is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery plan. At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, cupping is integrated alongside chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercise, and movement-based rehab to support long-term function—not just temporary symptom relief.


Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic muscle tension, or looking to improve performance and recovery between workouts, cupping therapy helps create a healthier environment for movement. By reducing tissue restrictions, improving circulation, and supporting recovery, cupping helps patients move more comfortably, train more consistently, and return to daily activities with confidence.

HOW IT WORKS

  • What is cupping therapy?

    Cupping therapy is a soft-tissue treatment that uses suction to lift muscles and connective tissue, improving circulation and reducing tension.

  • Does cupping therapy hurt?

    Most patients feel a pulling or stretching sensation, but it should not be painful. Intensity is adjusted based on comfort.

  • Why does cupping leave circular marks?

    The marks are caused by increased blood flow to the surface and are not bruises. They typically fade within a few days to a week.

  • What conditions can cupping help treat?

    Cupping is commonly used for muscle tightness, chronic pain, sports injuries, scar tissue, and mobility restrictions.

  • How long does a cupping session take?

    Most cupping treatments last between 10–20 minutes and are often combined with other therapies during your visit.

Superior Chiropractic & Rehab provides non-surgical care for back pain, muscle tightness, sports injuries, and mobility limitations throughout Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and surrounding communities. Led by Dr. Brad Polen, our team focuses on identifying the root cause of pain while restoring healthy movement.


Through a personalized combination of chiropractic care, cupping therapy, rehabilitation strategies, and corrective exercise, we help active adults reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to work, training, and daily life with confidence.