If you’ve found yourself searching “what is cupping therapy,” you’re likely looking for a treatment that eases muscle tension, improves recovery, or simply helps your body feel more balanced.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, we offer cupping therapy in Edmonton to support circulation, mobility, and relief from everyday tension. Whether you’re exploring it as a standalone method or alongside other care, our approach centers on what feels right for your body and your goals.
Cupping therapy is an ancient technique with modern-day relevance. It involves applying suction cups to the surface of the skin to create negative pressure. This pressure gently lifts the skin and underlying tissues, promoting blood flow, reducing muscle tightness, and encouraging your body’s natural healing process.
Whether it’s dry cupping therapy (without incision) or wet cupping therapy (which includes a small release of blood), this technique is about restoring movement, relieving tension, and giving tired muscles a fresh start.
The cups create a vacuum that lifts skin and tissue layers, which:
It’s like a reverse massage; instead of pressing down, it gently pulls up. Many people feel a sense of release and improved mobility after just one session.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, your cupping therapy in Edmonton is tailored to what your body needs on that day. Here’s how we guide your experience:
We talk about your symptoms, tension areas, and activity level
We choose the areas where circulation or mobility needs support
We apply cups to the skin using light suction, either static or with gentle movement (called cupping massage)
We monitor your response, adjusting pressure or location as needed
You leave with hydration and stretching tips to enhance the effect
Sessions usually last 15–30 minutes and may be combined with other therapies for best results.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, cupping therapy is offered to support movement, recovery, and relief from daily strain. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort from work, training, or past injury, cupping may help reduce tension and improve how your body feels day to day.
People often seek cupping therapy for:
If your body feels like it’s “stuck” or moving poorly, cupping may help encourage better mobility and circulation in the affected areas.
Cupping therapy can take different forms, and you might be wondering which approach is right for you.
Dry cupping uses suction alone to gently lift the skin and underlying tissue. It’s commonly used to support circulation, reduce muscle tension, and encourage natural mobility.
Wet cupping involves small, controlled incisions before suction is applied. This method has deep roots in traditional practices and is sometimes used with the aim of drawing out stagnation or relieving built-up pressure in targeted areas.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, we discuss all available cupping options with you before treatment. Whether your goals are relief from muscle discomfort, improved movement, or general wellness support, we tailor your session based on what your body needs and your comfort level.
If you’re wondering whether cupping therapy could help, you’re not alone. Many people come to us unsure if it’s the right step, and a quick chat with our team often clears that up.
Cupping therapy in Edmonton is well-suited for a variety of everyday concerns, not just sports injuries or chronic pain. You might be a great candidate if:
Whether you’re new to bodywork therapies or looking for something beyond massage, cupping can offer a new layer of support to how you move and feel. At West Henday Physical Therapy, we tailor your session to your goal, whether that’s relief, recovery, or relaxation.
Cupping therapy can support your body’s natural recovery and ease areas of tension, especially when muscles feel stiff, sore, or resistant to movement. While many people try cupping for muscle pain, it can also work alongside other treatment approaches when needed, such as:
We adapt each session based on how your body responds and what you’re aiming to improve.
There’s no fixed schedule. Some clients benefit from cupping every 1–3 weeks, depending on activity levels, recovery needs, or ongoing discomfort. Others use it monthly for maintenance and tension relief. When you visit West Henday Physical Therapy, we’ll discuss your goals and recommend a regimen that fits your needs.
We hear plenty of questions about cupping therapy, and some are less common, but equally important. Here are a few you may not have thought to ask:
Cupping marks are temporary, usually fading in a few days, but they can be visible. If you have an event coming up, let us know we can adjust placement to avoid exposed areas.
Yes, but it’s best to avoid very hot water or exfoliants right after. The skin may be sensitive in the cupped areas.
It can. Many people report feeling calm, grounded, or mentally clear after a session. The light suction can help shift your nervous system into a more relaxed state.
That’s no problem. Cupping doesn’t involve deep pressure or massage strokes. The sensation is more like a gentle lift; clients often find it surprisingly tolerable, even soothing.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, we provide safe, thoughtful cupping therapy in Edmonton as part of a complete approach to care. Whether you’re recovering from overuse, managing chronic tension, or just exploring what helps you move better, we’re here for it.
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