Effects of moving cupping therapy on hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion power: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

Cupping therapy has become more popular in the sports setting because of its simplicity in application, minimal adverse effects, and reduction in pain and muscle tenderness, yet there is little research on its effectiveness for range of movement and power. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to investigate if a single session of moving cupping to the posterior aspect of the lower limb effects hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion power. The secondary aim was to consider participants' views and perceptions of moving cupping therapy. Methods: Twenty-one healthy participants (12 male and 9 female) aged between 19 and 31 years volunteered to take part in the study. All participants received 15 minutes of moving cupping therapy to their dominant posterior lower extremity. Hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion isokinetic power measurements were taken prior to and immediately after the moving cupping intervention. Participants also completed a questionnaire based on their experience and perceptions of cupping. Results: Results showed a significant increase (p=<.05) in hip and knee range of movement measurements by 7% in the straight leg raise and 4% in a popliteal angle test. However, no significant changes were seen in the knee flexion power measures. Data from the questionnaire suggest that despite moving cupping being reported as 'uncomfortable' it is considered acceptable. Discussion: Moving cupping therapy may have short term changes to range of movement but not power, though the limitations of this study mean that rigorous studies are required before the effectiveness of moving cupping can be determined.

Analytical Approach to the Literature of Cupping Therapy

“…In these studies, it has been concluded that cupping therapy is effective. In the reviews on this subject, it was concluded that cupping therapy was effective in the treatment of pain (Table 1) [5,8,9]. It was concluded in one each RCS carried out lower back and neck pain that dry cupping therapies were also effective on pain.…”

“…The efficacy of cupping therapy was high in all 22 RCSs performed in cases of pain such as Herpes zoster pain, fibromyalgia, low back pain4, neck pain3, migraine pain2, tension-type headache, acute injury pains. In the reviews on fibromyalgia, low back pain and headache, it was concluded that cupping therapy is effective in the treatment of pain, but more studies are needed [5][6][7][8][9][10].…”

Soft-Tissue Techniques in Sports Injuries Prevention and Rehabilitation

“…Research conducted to evaluate the elasticity of the hamstrings showed a significant increase in motion range of the hip and the knee via the SLR test, although the strength of knee flexion was not increased according to the tests performed on an isokinetic dynamometer [141].…”

Rib Mediated Non-Cardiac Chest Pain: A Case Report

“…Following OMT to the first rib [ 14 ], the patient reported no pain along the manubrium at rest or during the performance of push-ups immediately following OMT. To address the rhomboids, directional cupping [ 15 ] was applied to area above the muscle for a period of five minutes. There was symmetrical scapular motion with active shoulder abduction after treatment.…”