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Dynamic Cupping Therapy

What to Expect & Why It Works

What is dynamic cupping (aka myofascial cupping)?

 

Dynamic cupping is a modern technique that blends traditional cupping with movement. Instead of leaving cups in one place, they are gently moved across the skin using lotion as a lubricant. This creates a gliding suction effect which helps to:

 

  • Release fascial restrictions and muscle tension

  • Boost circulation and lymphatic flow

  • Enhance mobility and body awareness

  • Soothe the nervous system

 

It's especially helpful for active individuals or anyone dealing with nagging tension, stiffness, or postural discomfort.

Decompression vs Compression

Most bodywork techniques — like massage — use compression to press into the tissue. This is effective for relaxing muscles and increasing circulation.
Dynamic cupping is a decompression technique — it gently lifts the skin and fascia, creating space and movement between layers of tissue. This suction effect helps release adhesions, promote blood flow, and support the nervous system in a different (often more lasting) way. Many clients find it especially helpful for deep, stubborn tension that hasn’t responded to massage alone.

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What is fascia, really?

 

If you’ve ever prepped raw chicken and noticed that thin, stretchy white film covering the meat — that’s fascia! In your body, fascia is a web-like network of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. When it’s healthy, fascia is smooth and glides easily. But stress, injury, or repetitive movement can cause it to become sticky or restricted — leading to pain or stiffness. And if one spot is restricted, it can pull on the entire structure — affecting the entire body! Fascia-focused therapy helps restore that natural glide and ease.

 

Fascia is loaded with sensory nerve endings — 6 to 10 times more than muscle tissue!

So when you feel deep tension or pain, it might actually be your fascia, not your muscles, asking for attention.

 

Who Is Dynamic Cupping & Fascia-Focused Therapy For?

 

This work is for you if...

You’re active — whether you run, lift, flow, or hike — and want to keep your body moving freely without recurring tightness or stiffness.
You sit a lot or work at a desk and notice tension building in your neck, shoulders, hips, or low back.
You’ve tried massage before but feel like something’s missing — maybe relief is temporary, or you’re curious about going deeper into the root of tension.
You have stubborn areas that feel “stuck,” “grippy,” or just don’t release — even with stretching or foam rolling.
You’re curious about fascia and want to explore a different way to support your body’s structure, mobility, and nervous system.
You’re in a healing or rebuilding phase — recovering from burnout, injury, stress, or a high-performance season — and need gentle, supportive work.
You want to feel more connected to your body, increase body awareness, and move with more ease, flow, and freedom.

 

 

What happens during a session?

 

Your session will begin with a brief check-in to discuss your intake form, current concerns, and goals. We will do some assessments, then you’ll then receive a hands-on treatment using a blend of:

 

  • General massage to warm the tissues 

  • Fascial release techniques

  • Dynamic cupping

  • Gentle joint mobilizations

 

Each session is unique and tailored to how your body feels that day. You're always encouraged to speak up — this is your time, and your comfort matters most.

 

What should I wear?

 

You’ll undress to your comfort level and be professionally draped at all times. Only the area being worked on will be uncovered.
For cupping and fascia work, access to your back, hips, legs, and shoulders is helpful.

If you prefer to stay clothed, wear comfortable, stretchy clothing (like a tank/sports bras and shorts), and let me know ahead of time so I can adapt the session.

 

Will I bruise from cupping?

 

The intent with dynamic cupping is to avoid marking as is the case with traditional cupping. However, some marking may occur — especially if you have sensitive skin. You may notice some marking or redness — this is normal and fades within a few days. Areas that are most prone to red marking typically include chest, upper back, and shoulders.
Some people also feel a bit tender, tired, or “worked on” afterward — like after a good workout. This is a temporary, natural part of your body’s healing process.

 

Does it hurt?

 

Dynamic cupping can feel slightly pinchy or intense in areas that are especially tight, restricted, or have never been worked on. In this case, we have options:

 

  • Softer techniques

  • Less suction

  • More lotion to reduce drag

  • Slower or shorter cup movements

 

We will keep in communication during the session to ensure comfort and work together to keep things as “non-pinchy” as possible. Tissues tend to loosen and any intense feeling lessens over time. 

 

 

What should I do after the session?

 

  • Hydrate well – this helps flush out metabolic waste released from tissue work.

  • Move gently – walking or light stretching supports circulation and integration.

  • Avoid intense workouts or heat (e.g. hot tubs, saunas) for 4–6 hours — your body needs time to process the session and recalibrate.

  • Tune in – notice any changes in movement, tension, or awareness. We’ll use that insight in future treatments.

 

What if I’m nervous or unsure?

 

That’s totally okay — many clients are new to fascia-focused work or cupping. You’re in a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space. You’re always in control and can pause or stop the treatment at any time. 

 

Final Notes

 

Your first session is a starting point, not a one-time fix. Fascia-focused therapy works best when we take time to listen to the body and work with it — not force it.

Cupping isn’t about “fixing” something. It’s about reminding your body how to release, realign, and heal — with gentle encouragement and the right input. Over time, you’ll likely feel more connected to your body and more capable in your movement.

 

Fascia Fun Facts !

 

🌐 Fascia is everywhere
Fascia is a vast connective tissue web that surrounds every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve — it’s one continuous system from head to toe. If you tug on it in one spot, it can create tension somewhere else!

🧠 It has a mind of its own
Fascia is loaded with sensory nerve endings — more than muscle tissue. That’s why fascial work often increases body awareness, coordination, and even emotions.

💧 Fascia loves hydration and movement
Healthy fascia is springy and glide-y — but it can become sticky, stiff, or dehydrated with stress, poor posture, or injury. Movement, hydration, and bodywork help restore its elasticity.

⚡ It responds slowly
Unlike muscles that contract and relax quickly, fascia responds better to slow, sustained input — like gentle compression, tension, and movement. That’s why dynamic cupping and fascial release feel so different from a regular massage.

🔄 It’s adaptive
Fascia constantly remodels itself in response to how you move, sit, breathe, and feel. It’s like a “living fabric” that shapes your posture and movement patterns over time.

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