Treatment 03

Cupping
Therapy

Myofascial decompression through targeted negative pressure — increasing circulation, releasing soft tissue adhesions, and accelerating recovery with a technique refined over millennia and validated by modern sports medicine.

3000+yrs
Clinical history
20–40min
Typical session
DO
Physician-delivered
0
Incisions required
Techniques

Modern cupping —
multiple methods

Cupping has evolved from its ancient origins into a clinically refined technique with multiple applications. Dr. Vernon selects the appropriate method based on your specific tissue findings, treatment goals, and tolerance.

Static / dry cupping
Cups placed and held stationary to create sustained decompression — lifting fascia, increasing local blood flow, and creating a therapeutic response in the underlying soft tissue.
Dynamic / gliding cupping
Cups moved across lubricated skin — effectively a decompression massage that separates fascial layers, mobilizes adhesions, and increases circulation across a broad tissue area.
Functional (active) cupping
Cups applied while the patient actively moves through a range of motion — combining decompression with functional loading to restore movement patterns and reduce pain during activity.
Flash cupping
Rapid application and removal to stimulate circulation and nervous system response — used for acute presentations, surface-level congestion, and patients new to cupping.
How it works

The biology of
negative pressure

Unlike conventional massage or compression-based therapies, cupping works through myofascial decompression — lifting tissue rather than compressing it. This creates a distinct set of biological effects that complement and amplify other regenerative treatments.

Hyperemia — increased blood flow
Negative pressure draws blood into the treatment area, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to ischemic or fibrotic tissue — initiating a reparative response.
Fascial separation & adhesion release
Decompression lifts and separates fascial layers that have become adhered through injury, inflammation, or disuse — restoring the gliding motion between tissue planes.
Metabolite clearance
Increased circulation accelerates the clearance of inflammatory metabolites, lactic acid, and cellular debris — reducing soreness and accelerating recovery.
Neurological pain modulation
Mechanical stimulation of superficial skin receptors modulates pain signals through the gate control mechanism — reducing chronic pain perception beyond the treatment session.
About the marks
Cupping often produces circular skin discolorations where blood is drawn to the surface. These are not bruises from impact — they reflect the degree of local stagnation, fascial restriction, and metabolic congestion. They typically resolve within 3–7 days.
Systematic Review
Efficacy of Cupping Therapy on Pain Outcomes
Frontiers in Neurology · Evidence map of 14 meta-analyses: cupping effective for chronic pain, low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis
View on PubMed →
RCT
Dry Cupping Reduces Inflammation and Fatigue in Athletes
Journal of Physiological Investigation · Randomized crossover trial: dry cupping lowered perceived exertion and systemic inflammation markers after intensive training
View on PubMed →
Review Article
The Medical Perspective of Cupping Therapy: Mechanisms of Action
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine · Review of the physiological mechanisms underlying cupping's therapeutic effects
View on PubMed →
Conditions addressed

What cupping treats

Cupping is particularly effective for soft tissue conditions involving fascial restriction, poor local circulation, or chronic muscle tension — and is widely used in elite sport recovery.

Neck & upper back tightness
Athletic recovery
IT band syndrome
Shoulder & rotator cuff
Piriformis syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Post-workout soreness
Low back pain
Hamstring & quad tightness
Thoracic restriction
Dr. Tyler Vernon, DO
Dr. Tyler Vernon, DO
Doctor of Osteopathy · Premier Village Physicians · Fishers, IN

Dr. Vernon performs cupping therapy as part of the Revive care team at IPC North — integrating it with OMT and osteopathic assessment to address the full fascial and structural picture. His physician background ensures cupping is applied with clinical precision as part of an individualized care strategy.

FAQ

Common questions

Does cupping hurt?+
Most patients describe a stretching or pulling sensation — unusual but not painful. Static cups may feel intense at first and then become comfortable as the tissue relaxes. Moving/gliding cups produce a sensation similar to a deep tissue massage. Dr. Vernon adjusts the level of suction based on your tolerance and tissue response.
Are the marks permanent?+
No. The circular marks from cupping are temporary — typically resolving within 3–7 days depending on the degree of tissue restriction and your individual healing rate. They are not bruises in the traditional sense and should not be painful to the touch after the session.
How does cupping work alongside SoftWave?+
SoftWave drives cellular regeneration from the inside — activating stem cells and promoting tissue repair. Cupping addresses the soft tissue environment around the injury — improving circulation, releasing fascial restriction, and clearing metabolic waste. Together, they create a more complete healing environment. Many patients receive both on the same visit.
Is cupping safe for everyone?+
Cupping is contraindicated in certain situations — including active skin conditions or infection in the treatment area, bleeding disorders, anticoagulant medications, and certain inflammatory conditions. Because Dr. Vernon is a physician, a brief medical assessment precedes treatment to ensure cupping is appropriate for you.

Book a cupping session with Dr. Vernon

Available now at IPC North in Fishers, IN.

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