Cupping Therapy in Kansas City
Cupping is available at our office at 1815 Grand Blvd. It can be used on its own or alongside massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care and physiotherapy as part of a plan built around you.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy places cups, usually made of glass or silicone, on the skin and uses suction to gently draw the skin and the soft tissue beneath it up into the cup. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional practices, and today it is widely used for muscle tension, tightness and soreness.
The cups may rest in place for a short time, or glide slowly across oiled skin over a tight area. Most people feel a firm pulling or stretching sensation rather than pain, and many find the session relaxing.
At KC Wellness and Physiotherapy, cupping can be one part of a broader plan. Our approach is to look for the underlying causes of pain and restricted movement and to combine care that supports normal function.
Cupping May Be Worth Asking About If You Have
- Tight muscles in the back, neck or shoulders
- Muscle tension from stress, work or long hours at a desk
- Soreness or stiffness after training, sport or physical work
- Knots that make it harder to move comfortably
- An interest in drug-free options alongside your other care
- Questions about how cupping compares with massage or acupuncture
What to Expect
- A conversation about your health history and where you feel tension
- Cups placed on clean skin, with the suction adjusted to your comfort
- Cupping that can be combined with massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care or physiotherapy
- Guidance on the round marks cupping can leave and how to care for your skin afterward
- Available without a prescription
How Cupping Fits Your Care
Start With Your History
Your visit begins with your health history, your medications and where you feel tension, so cupping fits your overall plan.
Suction Matched to You
Where the cups are placed and how strong the suction feels are adjusted to your comfort throughout the session.
Part of a Bigger Plan
Cupping can complement massage, acupuncture, dry needling, chiropractic care and physiotherapy at the same office.
Benefits
May Ease Muscle Tension
Many people use cupping to help tight, overworked muscles in the back, neck and shoulders feel looser.
Relaxation
Many people find the steady pulling sensation of cupping calming, which is part of wellness in its own right.
Works With Your Other Care
Cupping can be combined with massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care and physiotherapy as part of one plan.
Available Without a Prescription
You do not need a prescription to be seen at KC Wellness and Physiotherapy.
What to Expect
Before Your Session
Share your health history and medications. Tell us if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or have a sunburn, a rash or broken skin where the cups would go.
During Your Session
You rest comfortably while the cups are in place. Tell us at any time if the suction feels too strong, and it will be adjusted.
Afterward
Round marks where the cups sat are common. They are usually painless and fade on their own over the following days. Drink water and move gently.
About the practice
KC Wellness and Physiotherapy was founded by Dr. Kowin Casey, DC, a chiropractic physician who received a certification in physiotherapy with an emphasis in sports rehabilitation.
Common Questions About Cupping Therapy
Does cupping hurt?
Most people feel a firm pulling or tight sensation as the suction lifts the skin, not pain. The suction can be eased at any time, and many people find the session relaxing.
Will cupping leave marks?
It often does. The suction can leave round, bruise-like marks where the cups sat. They are usually painless and fade on their own over the following days. If you have an event coming up, ask us about the timing of your session.
How is cupping different from massage or acupuncture?
Massage uses hands-on pressure on the muscles, and acupuncture places thin needles at specific points on the body. Cupping uses suction to lift the skin and soft tissue rather than pressing down on them. All three are available at our office, and they can be combined in one plan.
Is cupping safe for everyone?
Not for everyone. Cupping should not be placed over broken or irritated skin, a sunburn, or a recent injury with swelling. Tell us before your session if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder or have fragile skin, so your care can be planned safely.
Is cupping covered by insurance?
We accept all major insurance plans, but coverage for cupping varies from plan to plan. Call our office at (913) 424-2410 to confirm your coverage before your visit.
Related Services
Related Service
Acupuncture
Thin, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body, also offered at our office.
Related Service
Massage Therapy
Hands-on work on tight muscles and soft tissue that pairs well with cupping.
Related Service
Dry Needling
Thin, sterile needles placed into tight trigger points, with optional electrical stimulation.
Ask About Cupping Therapy
Request an appointment online or call our office at (913) 424-2410. We are at 1815 Grand Blvd. in Kansas City.