What should you know about physical therapy suction cups?

A therapist places cups on selected skin areas and creates suction for a short period or moves the cups with lubricant. You may feel pulling, pressure, warmth or tightness. Round marks or mild tenderness can remain for several days because small surface blood vessels may be affected. Cupping is an adjunct, not a replacement for assessment, exercise, load management or treatment of the underlying problem.

Tell the therapist about medicines, bleeding problems, fragile skin, rashes, reduced sensation, recent surgery or an unhealed wound. Do not place cups over broken or infected skin. Wear clothing that allows access without rubbing the treated area afterwards, drink normally, and avoid scratching any marks. The therapist should explain the purpose of each placement and check your skin and comfort during treatment.

Get medical advice if treated skin becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, develops blisters or drainage, or if you feel faint or unwell. Stop the session and alert the therapist for burning pain, severe discomfort, new numbness or unusual bleeding. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling or another sign of a serious allergic reaction.

What problem are the cups intended to address? What skin changes should I expect, and how long should they last? Are there reasons this technique is unsuitable for me, and what exercise will support the same rehabilitation goal?