Cupping is a soft tissue technique utilizing one or more cup shaped instruments to achieve negative pressure or a vacuum on the skin, pulling fascia and other tissues outward in the process ¹. Cups come in many materials shapes and sizes, with varying suction methods from fire to hand pumps. By specifically cupping the primary muscle groups engaged during an exercise, we can increase intensity of tension on the soft tissues throughout the movement. This may be useful when training areas that feel tight, restricted, or otherwise sensitized ².

1) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-exactly-is-cupping-2016093010402

2) Warren AJ, LaCross Z, Volberding JL, O’Brien MS. Acute Outcomes of Myofascial Decompression (Cupping Therapy) Compared to Self Myofascial Release on Hamstring Patholgy After a Single Treatment. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020 Aug;15(4):579-592.