Category: Random Musings

I’m sure by now that you’ve seen this photo or at least heard about it from a friend. Yes, that’s Michael Phelps with cupping marks on his body. This somewhat underground treatment has been gaining in popularity in recent years, as word of mouth spreads and the benefits of Cupping Therapy continue to be discovered. Now, with such high profile athletes such as Michael Phelps, utilizing Cupping Therapy as a way to gain a competitive edge, this ancient practice is seeing a massive spike in interest.

Like Dry Needling, cupping or myofascial decompression is merely an implement in a highly trained therapist’s toolbox. Too bad the media has to hype this wonderful ancient modality into being some kind of “hokey” trick that athletes are using to try and get an edge in sport performance.

Here’s how it works…By creating vacuum (suction) pressure, the cup is used to soften hypertonic muscles and attachments, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring hydration and blood flow to body tissues, move deep inflammation to the skin surface for release, as well as drain excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways.

Myofascial Decompression therapy is an incredibly helpful therapy tool and can be used to address a wide variety of things like assisting in lymphatic drainage and help with reducing scar tissue. It complements many health modalities ranging from medical massage to chiropractic, physical and occupational therapies.

As an integrated muscle therapist, I’m extremely knowledgeable in the area of neuromusculoskeletal function. When I use a technique —myofascial decompression, joint mobilization, myoskeletal alignment techniques or whatever — I’m utilizing my therapy with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Additionally, I’m also using my clinical assessment skills to apply my knowledge to the optimal restoration of function based on that individual’s current injury.

This is what the media so conveniently doesn’t talk about on TV. So don’t go on line to Amazon.com to purchase that handy little kit thinking its going to be the “Holy Grail” to all your aches and pains.

Personally, I haven’t ever used myofascial decompression as a stand alone in my practice EVER (and in my opinion…no qualified therapist would). “Cupping” is just something a trained therapist might use in conjunction with other things like range of motion, joint capsule work, fascial release, balancing muscle length tension relationships, exercise, and posture corrections in their practice.

OK, so Michael Phelps’ “Cup Kisses” (that’s what the marks are commonly referred to as) has exposed Cupping Therapy to the masses now. However, there are countless professional and amateur athletes that have been using cupping to improve their body and to optimize their athletic performance for many years. AND it’s not just athletes using myofascial decompression either, many celebs like Justin Bieber, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow have all been photographed with these marks on their bodies for all to see.

I use myofascial decompression almost every day in my practice and my results have been incredible!   Personally, I like it better than Dry Needling (I’ll blog on that subject later).  The purpose of THIS blog entry is to fill in where our media has so conveniently left off.

I’m sure you’ve all heard the story of a when a professor asked his class…Is This Jar Full?  Well, now I think THIS CUP IS FULL!   

Cheers, drock

Is the car you’re driving right now as old as you are?  Unless you happen to be a classic car collector, your answer is probably no. When our cars stop performing or no longer are pleasing to us, we just trade them in and get a better or newer model. Right?

Unfortunately, the body you’re born with is the body you’re stuck with for the most part. You can’t just trade it in for a newer model. So,why do so many of us take better care of our cars than the flesh-and-blood vehicles we have to get through life in.  I’m not advocating that you stop taking care of your car, just hoping my list of comparable health maintenance becomes a priority too. Consider the items below your Body’s Owner’s Manual.

For several decades now, diet and exercise have been acknowledged as a relevant and effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. Evidence is emerging that physical exercise is as effective, and sometimes more effective, than pharmacological and orthopedic treatment for muscle and joint diseases. Now, integrated manual therapy is widely being recognized as a key component by preventing your joints form wear and tear. Preventative healthcare….what a terrific idea!!!

Just like our cars need adjustments from time to time, so does your body.

Get Your Oil Changed and Go In for Regular Tune-Ups:  Routine maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and is a worthwhile investment. Treat your health the same way. Regular sessions of integrated manual therapy are important and as necessary as diet and exercise.  Routine sessions allow me to check for signs of imbalance, often before you notice symptoms. These “body screenings” can help you stop an injury in its tracks, get an early treatment, improve your outcome and keep your future pain free.  “Prevention is better than cure”.

Know Your Levels:  You make sure your tires are full of air, that your oil isn’t low, and that all your lights are functional don’t you?  Well, do the same for your body by paying attention to important body signals.  Our bodies are built with alarms, too. When you don’t feel right, it’s your bodies’ dashboards telling you that something is wrong. Pay attention! Why do you wait until you find yourself on the equivalent of a highway shoulder?  If you’re feeling a little off, you might want to take some healthy corrective steps by scheduling a session with your manual therapist, just as you might top off your fluid levels.

Take It to the Shop When There’s Something Wrong:  Granted, your body doesn’t have a “check engine” light, but as its keeper, you know when you don’t feel quite right. If your car is making a funny noise, you take it in. Why not do the same for yourself?   When you aren’t feeling quite right, make an appointment and get treated right away before this imbalance turns into a bigger problem like “Tennis Elbow” or Plantar Fasciitis. Don’t ignore that “popping” in your shoulder!

Statistics say that 83% of cars owners visit a garage regularly to keep on top of vehicle servicing and maintenance, while only 17% of people regularly visit a healthcare professional for check-ups – with almost half (48%) admitting they only visit a healthcare professional when they have a problem.

Here’s another statistic for you…Preventing both car and health problems are eight times cheaper than fixing them.  Stop ignoring yourself and take of your your most VALUABLE asset in life…YOU!