Cupping Therapy Massage: How It Works, What It Helps, and Why MSTT Does It Better
- Mick Breen
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
What Is Cupping Therapy Massage?
Cupping therapy massage is an ancient treatment method that’s found its way into modern sports medicine and myotherapy. It involves using suction cups to create negative pressure on the skin and tissues beneath.
Unlike traditional massage (which compresses tissue), cupping lifts and decompresses. This makes it an incredible tool for improving blood flow, creating more sliding surfaces between muscles, and restoring movement.
At Melbourne Soft Tissue Therapy (MSTT), we combine cupping therapy massage with hands-on techniques like deep tissue work, dry needling, and trigger point therapy to deliver results you can actually feel.
How Does Cupping Therapy Massage Work?
By placing cups on the skin and creating suction, cupping:
Draws blood and lymphatic fluid to the area
Improves circulation and tissue hydration
Decompresses muscles and fascia
Helps release adhesions and trigger points
The result? Improved range of motion, reduced pain, and faster recovery.
We often use both static cupping (cups left in place) and dynamic cupping (moving the cups with massage oil for a gliding effect). Each has its own benefits.
What Conditions Can Cupping Therapy Massage Help?
Cupping is highly effective for:
Chronic muscle tension and tight fascia
Sports recovery and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Shoulder and neck pain from desk work
Lower back pain
ITB and hip tightness
Scar tissue restrictions
Many of our clients book cupping therapy massage as part of their regular maintenance program because it helps their muscles recover faster and move more freely.
Why MSTT’s Approach Is Different
A cupping session at MSTT is never just cups. Here’s why we get better results:
Comprehensive Assessment: We figure out why your body is tight in the first place.
Combination Therapy: We integrate cupping with deep tissue, dry needling, and functional rehab.
Dynamic Techniques: Our cupping isn’t static. We often use dynamic (sliding) cupping to mobilise tissue.
Movement Coaching: After your session, we teach you how to maintain the results.
“Mick and the team really know their stuff. The treatment has been really effective in either getting me back on track after injury, or maintaining good mobility and wellbeing while training.” – Andy Wear
Real Results from Cupping Therapy Massage at MSTT
1. Michelle – Training 6 Days a Week
“Mick is absolutely the best in the business. I train six days a week and he keeps me strong, recovered, and injury-free.”
2. Evelyn – After Years of Other Treatments
“I’d seen physios, chiros and osteos for years. Cupping, dry needling, and an action plan from MSTT brought me immediate results. After a few months, I’ve never felt as good.”
3. Yawen – Shoulder Pain Gone
“My shoulder pain has reduced a lot after seeing Mick. He also provided exercises which helped with my recovery.”
What to Expect in a Cupping Session
Assessment: We look at posture, movement, and tension patterns.
Treatment: Cups are applied to problem areas (static or dynamic).
Integration: We combine cupping with massage and other therapies.
Aftercare: You leave with personalised drills and stretches.
You might see temporary circular marks after a session—these aren’t bruises. They’re a sign of increased blood flow and usually fade within a week.
How Often Should You Get Cupping Therapy Massage?
For pain or injury: 1x per week until symptoms settle
For recovery or maintenance: Every 3–4 weeks
For athletes during heavy training: Fortnightly tune-ups
Regular treatment keeps your tissues healthy and your body performing at its best.
Why Choose MSTT for Cupping Therapy Massage?
Longer, hands-on sessions (not just cups and out)
Results-driven, modern cupping techniques
Integration with strength, rehab, and movement coaching
A focus on long-term outcomes, not just short-term relief
Final Word
Cupping therapy massage is a powerful tool for recovery, pain relief, and mobility. But it works best when combined with a holistic approach.
At MSTT, cupping is just one part of a complete plan to help you move better, recover faster, and stay pain-free.
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