Myofascial Decompression Cupping is a unique, soft tissue modality adapted from Traditional Chinese Medicine known as Cupping Therapy. Dr. Jamie uses specialized cups to draw the skin, fascia, and superficial muscle layers upward to create a localized vacuum on the target muscle area. Fire is used to remove the oxygen and create negative pressure within the cup so that the skin is drawn upward. This creates space between the muscle and fascia layers, allowing for increased blood flow and circulation to the area, which optimizes the healing response in injured tissue. 

 

The goal of Myofascial Cupping is to treat soft tissue abnormalities in the fascia (a connective  tissue encasing the body’s muscles). When injuries or repetitive stress microtraumas occur to your soft tissue, the fascia surrounding muscle fibers heals in abnormal patterns thus creating adhesions (scar tissue). When using Myofascial Cupping, the muscle fibers are mobilized, resulting in pain relief and improved range of motion. 

 

Dr. Jamie provides additional relief by gliding and moving the cups through the treatment area to increase mobility of the tissue. Frequently during the treatment, her patients are encouraged to perform different movement and stretching routines (e.g. cat/cow yoga positions) with the cups on in order to achieve better mobility in specific or dysfunctional ranges of motion.

 

To further mobilize scar tissue & enhance circulation during Myofascial Cupping sessions, Dr. Jamie incorporates Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). IASTM has been adapted from the Eastern medicinal practice known as Gua Sha, which involves the use of a smooth-edged therapy tool on the soft tissue.  When Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is used in combination with Myofascial Cupping, treatment will help patients achieve:
 

• Pain relief

• Increased mobility

• Expedited healing of muscle, tendon, and ligamentous injuries

• Muscle tension/spasm release

• Improved circulation

• Reduction of inflammation