Can Cupping Therapy Help You? A Nashville Chiropractor Explains

If you’ve ever spotted circular red marks on an athlete’s back like those seen on 23 time Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps, then you’ve witnessed one of the aftereffects of cupping therapy. This ancient form of alternative medicine, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is gaining popularity in the Nashville area for one big reason: it works!

Using glass cups to create suction, cupping helps stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and ease persistent aches and pains. Whether you're dealing with neck pain from hours of working at a desk or sore hips and shoulders after a weekend hike, a cupping session might be just what your body needs.

Doctor Christine Isaac at Perimeter Chiropractic provides cupping therapy to support your healing journey. Let’s explore the healing potential of cupping therapy, how it compliments chiropractic care, what the possible side effects are, and why this age-old technique might provide the modern-day relief you’re looking for. 

What is Cupping Therapy? A Comprehensive Review

Cupping therapy is a hands-on technique that uses specially designed glass cups to create suction against the skin. When placed on targeted areas like the back, neck, or shoulders, the suction lifts the skin and underlying tissue, drawing blood to the surface and encouraging increased blood flow to that area. This boost in your body’s blood circulation can help to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the body’s natural healing response.

There are two main types of cupping therapy:

1. Dry cupping – The cups are applied with suction only, creating a pulling sensation that many find deeply relaxing.

2. Wet cupping – A less common variation where a small, controlled incision is made before applying the cups to draw out a minimal amount of blood (traditionally believed to help release toxins).

Dr. Isaac only uses dry cupping at her Nashville clinic, as it’s effective and minimally invasive for most musculoskeletal issues. 

Patients often turn to cupping therapy for relief from a wide range of issues. It’s commonly used to address neck pain, back pain, stiff joints, tension headaches, and even some chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. 

The suction causes tiny blood vessels (capillaries) to expand, which may leave temporary circular marks (not bruises) that will fade away within days. Most people describe the sensation as a gentle pressure, with many reporting immediate relief post-session.

A typical cupping session at Perimeter Chiropractic in the Nashville area begins with a short consultation to identify your specific areas of discomfort. After preparing the skin, Dr. Isaac places the cups and allows them to remain in place for 10 to 30 minutes. 

As for side effects, they’re generally mild. The most common include temporary skin discoloration, light soreness, or a slight feeling of fatigue post-treatment. These reactions are normal and often fade within hours, but some may last a few days. If you have sensitive skin, blood disorders like hemophilia, skin infections or wounds, serious heart conditions, or you are pregnant, it’s important to discuss this with your provider before starting treatment.

How Does Cupping Therapy Work?

Cupping therapy works by applying negative pressure which draws the skin upward, encouraging increased blood flow to the area. As your blood vessels expand, circulation improves, and the body’s natural healing response is triggered. Many patients report a sense of deep relief as their tension melts away and sore muscles begin to relax.

During a typical cupping session, you may feel a warm, pulling sensation as the cups draw on your skin. While it may look intense, cupping is not usually painful. Some mild discomfort may occur if the area is already inflamed, but most patients describe the experience as relaxing, especially as those nagging aches and pains begin to find relief. Circular marks may appear where the cups were placed, but these are not bruises and they will be gone within a few days at most.

How Cupping and Chiropractic Care Work Together

Cupping therapy pairs especially well with chiropractic care. While chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and improve joint function, cupping works on the surrounding muscles and fascia to enhance mobility and reduce stiffness. The increased blood flow from cupping can make chiropractic adjustments easier and more effective by loosening tight muscles beforehand.

Patients struggling with neck pain, back tension, or restricted movement may find faster relief when these treatments are combined. After a cupping session, many people report improved flexibility, reduced muscle tightness, and better overall outcomes from their chiropractic visits.

For athletes, desk workers, and anyone dealing with chronic tension, combining cupping with chiropractic techniques offers a holistic approach to healing—one that supports both structural alignment and muscular recovery. If you're looking for a natural, drug-free way to feel better and move more freely, this ancient therapy might be a powerful addition to your wellness routine.

What Conditions Can Cupping Therapy Help With?

Cupping therapy is known for its ability to relieve aches and pains, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, and lower back. But its benefits go beyond just sore muscles. Patients often seek cupping to help manage:

• Chronic neck pain

• Migraines and tension headaches

• Shoulder stiffness or limited mobility

• Sports injuries and overuse strain

• Poor blood circulation

• Stress and muscle tightness

By improving blood flow and promoting relaxation, cupping can be especially helpful for people who sit at a desk all day or carry stress in their upper back and shoulders. It’s also a gentle and effective option for anyone looking to support recovery from exercise or injury without relying on medication.

When paired with regular chiropractic care, cupping supports the body’s natural healing systems by addressing both muscular and structural imbalances. That makes it a valuable tool for anyone seeking long-term pain relief and better mobility.

Ready to Try Cupping Therapy in the Nashville Area?

If you’re curious about cupping therapy and wondering whether it could help with your neck pain, tight shoulders, or general tension, now is a great time to give it a try. At Perimeter Chiropractic in Nashville, Dr. Christine Isaac offers cupping therapy as part of a personalized care plan designed to support your whole-body wellness.

Whether you’re managing a specific condition or simply want to feel better in your everyday life, cupping may offer the gentle boost your body needs to heal and thrive. Call or schedule your first session today and discover how this ancient technique can help you feel more at ease, naturally.

(615) 243-9601