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By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist Cupping and massage are both therapeutic techniques that aim to promote health and well-being, but they differ in their methods and approaches. Here are the key differences between cupping and massage:  Technique
Touch vs. Suction
Pressure Application
Tools and Equipment
Goals and Effects
Sensation and Experience
While massage and cupping can be used independently, some practitioners integrate both techniques in a session to provide a comprehensive and customised approach to their clients' needs. Additionally, combining these modalities may offer synergistic benefits, addressing both the superficial and deeper layers of soft tissues. Hi, I’m Andrew, a Myotherapist with a strong belief in combining treatment techniques to help you achieve the goal that brought you into the clinic in the first place. I’ve been working as a Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist for the past four years across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and the Yarra Valley. Over that time, I’ve developed a particular interest in treating tendinopathies, headaches and migraines, plantar fasciitis, lower back injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. Whether your injury is acute or something you’ve been dealing with for a long time, my focus is on helping you move and feel better.  When pain or restriction shows up, it’s common to wonder: Should I see a physio? A chiro? A myo? They all can help, but what’s the difference? I genuinely believe there are different times and places for each of these professions. Where I see Myotherapy fitting in is in providing targeted soft tissue treatment to reduce pain and restriction, so you can properly perform your exercise program, get back on track, and prevent further problems. Temporary relief is an important part of the journey of reaching your health goal. One of the most common questions I get is: “What does myotherapy even mean?” “Myo” simply means muscle, so in the simplest terms, I’m a muscle therapist. Personally, I think “muscle specialist” describes what we do even better. Myotherapy focuses on the muscular aspect of your pain, using a wide range of skills and knowledge in treatment. This includes hands-on techniques, corrective exercises, practical advice, and ergonomic adjustments to support you in everyday life. I often describe a Myotherapist as sitting somewhere between a Physio and a Remedial Massage Therapist, combining thorough assessment and exercise prescription with strong hands-on treatment skills. Some of the techniques I use include:
If you’re dealing with pain, tightness, or movement restriction and want a balanced, practical approach to treatment, I’d love to help. Book in a treatment with me on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 3pm–7pm. By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist Cupping therapy and dry needling are two distinct therapeutic techniques used in complementary and alternative medicine, each with its own benefits and applications.  Cupping Therapy Method: Cupping therapy involves placing cups, typically made of glass, silicone, or plastic, on the skin, creating a vacuum or suction effect. This can be achieved through methods such as heat (fire cupping), suction pumps, or manual suction. We, however, do not use the glass/fire cupping method. Purpose: The suction created by cupping is believed to increase blood flow to the area, promote healing, and reduce muscle tension. It is often used to relieve pain, improve circulation, and address conditions such as muscle knots, tightness, and inflammation. Techniques: There are different techniques of cupping, including stationary cupping (cups are left in place for a specific duration), moving cupping (cups are moved across the skin), and wet cupping (which involves slight incisions on the skin before cupping). Conditions Treated: Cupping therapy is commonly used for musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and sports injuries. Dry Needling Method: Dry needling involves inserting thin needles (similar to acupuncture needles) directly into specific trigger points, tight bands of muscle (known as myofascial trigger points), or areas of pain and dysfunction. Purpose: The goal of dry needling is to stimulate these trigger points or areas of muscle tension, causing a local twitch response. This response can help release muscle knots, improve blood flow, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function. Techniques: Dry needling techniques can vary, including superficial dry needling (targeting trigger points near the skin's surface) and deep dry needling (reaching deeper muscle layers). The depth and placement of needles depend on the individual's condition and the therapist's assessment. Conditions Treated: Dry needling is often used for musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle strains, tendonitis, sciatica, headaches (including tension headaches), and chronic pain syndromes. It is frequently integrated into physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. Key Differences Mechanism of Action: Cupping therapy primarily works through the creation of suction to increase blood flow and release muscle tension, while dry needling targets specific trigger points or tight muscles with needle stimulation. Tools Used: Cupping therapy uses cups to create suction, while dry needling utilizes thin needles for direct insertion into tissues. Application: Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin for a period of time, whereas dry needling involves the insertion and manipulation of needles into targeted areas. Both cupping therapy and dry needling can be effective in addressing musculoskeletal issues and promoting pain relief and healing. However, the choice between them may depend on factors such as the individual's condition and preferences of treatment. Ready to find the right treatment for your pain or muscle tension? Whether you're curious about cupping therapy or dry needling, our qualified myotherapists can help you choose the most effective option for your needs. Book your consultation today to take the first step toward better movement, less pain, and faster recovery.  Have you ever wondered about flame cupping? Flame cupping sounds scarier than what it really is. Let’s have a look at the facts around flame cupping, and how it might be beneficial for you.
What is flame cupping? Flame cupping is a form of dry cupping that uses fire to cause a vacuum in a cup. The cup is then placed on the area of skin being treated. What is flame cupping good for? Flame cupping is great for relieving muscle tension, especially tension that isn’t responding quickly to hands-on techniques. The best part about flame cupping? It is applied and left on while your practitioner continues to work on another area of the body. So if you have a sore shoulder and tight lower back, they can cup the shoulder and massage the lower back or vice versa. Is flame cupping going to burn me? It shouldn’t if it’s applied by a qualified flame cupping therapist. A qualified therapist who has training in flame cups knows how long to heat each cup before applying it to the skin. If you’re worried, ask your practitioner about their training in flame cups before agreeing to treatment. Who can’t have flame cupping? As useful as flame cupping is, there are a few contraindications to keep in mind. Flame cupping is not recommended for those with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or those using medications such as warfarin. Flame cupping cannot be safely applied over wounds. However, it can be used over fully healed scar tissue. Does flame cupping detoxify the body? Not really. Flame cups can’t detoxify you – that’s the job of your liver and other detox organs. But in a way, they can support the natural detoxification process. It increases blood flow to the area, which improves the exchange of oxygen and waste products in that area. The waste products are then transported to the liver and detox organs and excreted from the body. I have dark marks after flame cupping – is this a bad thing? Cupping marks are normal after a treatment. They aren’t bruises or a sign of tissue damage. Eastern medicine practitioners such as acupuncturists believe that cupping marks are a sign of what is happening in the body. For example, darker marks are signs of how stagnant the energy or ‘chi’ is. For myotherapists, they are bruise-like marks caused by surface capillaries that break during the suction. Either way, they are nothing to worry about – they will fade over the period of 3-7 days for most people. If your cupping marks remain dark or tender for a prolonged period, contact your therapist directly for a check-in. How can I try out flame cupping? By booking an appointment with our flame cupping myotherapist Emily! Emily loves to work with flame cupping, because she can work on two areas of tension at once. To book a session with Emily, head to our booking page and select ‘Emily Wells’ for your practitioner. |
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