Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a treatment in physical therapy in which the therapist helps improve circulation in specific areas by using specialized cups to create suction. By increasing blood flow, cupping aids the healing process and helps to reduce pain and muscle tension. Cupping can be used alongside physical therapies to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries. Cupping is similar to massage therapy in that is a natural way to aid circulation, but differs from massage in that it relies on the opposite of inward pressure (i.e. suction) to ease along blood flow.
What can I expect during a cupping therapy session?
One or more cups may be placed on and around the area to be treated. Lotion or gel will be placed on the cups prior to application. A pump will be used to create a vacuum and draw the skin upward into the cup; the cups may remain on the skin for 5-10 minutes. The suction will feel tight, but not painful. Your therapist may have you remain still, or the cups may remain in place while you do exercises. The therapist may also glide the cups along your skin to lift and pull along the tissue.
What are side effects of cupping therapy?
The suction on the skin will create a quick response of redness from the blood flow. This redness may remain on the skin or turn into a dark circular mark. This discoloration could remain for a few hours or up to two weeks, depending on the person. This side effect is natural and common, and generally to be expected.
Contact Greendale Physical Therapy to get started
You don’t have to wait for your doctor to provide you with a referral. You can reach out to our office to make an appointment right now, and we’ll work with your insurance company.
Contact Greendale Physical Therapy today to discuss your needs and goals. We have 4 convenient locations, in Shrewsbury, Worcester, Clinton, and Marlborough.
Greendale Physical Therapy, LLC helped me regain the strength in my ankles and feet to keep me walking and continue to exercise and golf. The staff are all well skilled, pleasant, and supportive. I would highly recommend them to my friends for PT. They are a great group!
Clinton Patient
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Shrewsbury Clinic
280 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
T: 508-753-7780
F: 508-459-5900
Worcester Clinic
120 Gold Star Boulevard
Worcester, MA 01545
T: 508-459-5000
F: 508-459-5900
Clinton Clinic
145 Church Street
Clinton, MA 01510
T: 978-598-3155
F: 508-459-5900
Marlborough Clinic
435 Lakeside Avenue
Marlborough, MA 01752
T: 508-488-4110
F:508-459-5900
Fitchburg Clinic
28 Ashby State Road,
Fitchburg, MA 01420
T: 978-400-3690
F:508-459-5900
Aquatics
766 Main Street Worcester,
MA 01610
T: 508-459-5000
F: 508-459-5900
Physical Therapist Assistants
Kim Barrow
MS, BS, PTA, Aquatics Director
Education
Southern Connecticut State University, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Science
MassBay Community College, Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
lower back pain and disk conditions, aquatics, chronic pain, post surgical rehab, balance issues
Certifications + Trainings
Certified ACE Personal Trainer, Craniosacral Level I, Graston Technique Levels I & II.
Trained in Burdenko Method, Aquatic Therapy Rehab Institute (ATRI), Kinesiotaping, Biosynchronistics, Maitland Technique, Mulligan Concept, Functional Movement Assessment (FMA), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Muscle Energy Techniques of the Spine and Extremities
Ross Beaudette
BA, PTA, CSCS, Worcester Clinic Manager, Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE)
Education
Worcester State University, Bachelor of Education
New England Institute of Technology, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
sports rehab, injury prevention, ergonomics, post-surgical, footwear assessment and prescription
Certifications + Trainings
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation certification, Matheson work hardening certification, ACE personal trainer, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Active Release Technique (ART), Mulligan technique, McKenzie Technique, myofascial release, Muscle Energy Techniques of the Spine and Extremities
Nicolette Bender
BS, PTA
Education
University of Massachusetts, Bachelor of Exercise Science
Becker College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
Rehab Pilates, pre and post natal, postural re-patterning, injury prevention, stability training
Certifications + Trainings
STOTT PILATES, NSCA-CPT, TRX, Biosynchronistics, Core Integration, Craniosacral therapy (CST Level 1 & cervical spine), Total Barre, CORE Athletic Conditioning, Diaphragm Release Techniques, Myofascial Release Therapy, Mulligan Techniques for the Extremities, Muscle Energy Techniques for the Spine and Extremities. ISP (injury and special population) focus that includes pre and post natal, scoliosis programming, & breast cancer rehabilitation.
Alexandra "Allie" Hagan
PTA
Education
Salem State University, Bachelor of Athletic Training
Bay State College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
John Hannon
PTA
Education
New England Institute of Technology, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
Back pain, footwear/gait assessment, balance/fall prevention, total joint replacement, workplace ergonomics/postural re-ed, injury prevention, aquatics
Certifications + Trainings
Summit certification in evidence-based assessment and treatment for TMJ, Blood Flow Restriction Training, cervical spine dysfunction, and headaches/post concussion
Katharine Osborne
PTA
Education
Mount Wachusett Community College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
Manual therapy, myofascial release, lower back pain, shoulder and knee injuries, neck pain, kinesiology, trigger point therapy, patient education
Certifications + Trainings
Graston Technique M1-Basic Training