Modern Physiotherapy Clinic provides evidence-informed physiotherapy, advanced assessment and rehabilitation from our clinic in Ascot Vale. We support patients from Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Maribyrnong and surrounding suburbs, as well as patients travelling from across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with personalised treatment plans based on clinical assessment, goals and stage of recovery.
Vacuum Therapy utilises negative pressure generated inside the vacuum device. At the site of application of the vacuum, tissue blood supply is increased due to blood vessels widening and permeability increasing.
The benefits of Vacuum Therapy include:
- Local improvement of circulation
- Increased removal of metabolic products(1)
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin production
- Triggering the nervous system which aids in relaxation, ultimately reducing muscle weakness, tiredness, pain, cramps, spasms, numbness, tightness, stiffness, and swelling
- Increased tissue temperature for pain relief
- Reduce tension and adhesion in the tissues
- Softens tight muscles by hydrating the layers of tissue(2)
- Increases the range of movement and flexibility in joints(3)
(1) Gott, F., Ly, K., Piller, N. and Mangion, A. (2018). Negative pressure therapy in the management of lymphoedema. Journal of Lymphoedema, http://lymphoedemaeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5.-Negative-pressure-therapy-in-the-management-of-lymphoedema.pdf(2) Jr, N.S.D., Phansopkar, P. and Wanjari, M.B. (2022). A Novel Physical Therapy Approach in Pain Management and Enhancement of Performance in Shin Splints Athletes: A Case Report. Cureus, 14(7). doi:10.7759/cureus.26676.(3) Murray, D. and Clarkson, C. (2019). Effects of moving cupping therapy on hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion power: a preliminary investigation. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 27(5), pp.287–294. doi:10.1080/10669817.2019.1600892.
Vacuum Therapy is most suitable for the following conditions:
- Bedsores
- Backache
- Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints
- Scar
- Arthritis
- Rheumatism
- Sports injury
- Trauma
- Fibromyalgia
- Fatigue
- Chronic and acute pain
- Muscle tension
- Musculoskeletal disorders
FAQs:
1. Is this treatment painful?
Vacuum Therapy is not painful, however there may be a slight pinching sensation when the vacuum devices are first placed.
2. Is the procedure safe, and if any, what are the side effects?
It is a safe, non-invasive treatment. The side effects will typically occur during treatment, or immediately after and may include light headedness or dizziness, sweating or nausea. After treatment, the skin around the vacuum device may be irritated and marked. There may be bruising from the vacuum devices after the procedure, however that is normal and rarely painful. Bruising is a natural side effect of blood flow increasing to the area.
3. Who may not be suited to this treatment?
People suffering from:
- Bleeding tendencies
- Active cancer
- Taking anticoagulants
- Fevers
- Acute and progressive inflammation
4. What should I expect in a session?
The physiotherapist will create a vacuum within the suction device, and when this is applied to the skin, your skin will rise within the vacuum device. The blood vessels will expand and the area will most likely become red and warm due to blood rushing to the area. The cups are usually placed in areas with abundant muscle. The actual cupping device should only be on for 5-10 minutes.
5. Is there anything I need to do before the procedure?
It is important that you don’t do anything to the treatment area that can cause more irritation than needed. For example, do not shave the area right before the appointment, do not exfoliate aggressively before the appointment (preferably a couple of days before if you do exfoliate), and do not come to the appointment severely sunburnt as the heat produced from the cupping will only make the sunburn more painful and unbearable. We do advise that you drink plenty of water before your appointment as vacuum therapy will stimulate lymphatic draining and your body needs plenty of water to do this effectively.
6. Is there anything I need to do after vacuum therapy?
Continue to stay hydrated as this will help the lymphatic drainage process. It is also advised that you stay warm, or at least try to cover the areas where you received cupping. It is normal to feel fatigue, lethargy and possibly flu-like symptoms (headaches are common too!), however this is only temporary, and is due to your immune system clearing cellular waste. Thus, it is important to rest – make sure you listen to your body!We advise that 4-6 hours after vacuum therapy, that you avoid:
- Unhealthy foods and drinks, i.e., caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods, dairy and processed meats as this will slow your body down from processing the treatment
- Hot showers, saunas or hot tubs will irritate the skin where cups were placed
- Intense exercise
7. Can I make the vacuum cupping marks go away faster?
It is normal for the cupping marks to be bruised for up to hours to weeks. The only tip we can give you to make them go away faster naturally, without disrupting the natural process of treatment is to hydrate and rest! Everybody will react differently to treatments, so do not be scared if your cupping marks go away too fast or take a little bit longer than someone else’s.