Cupping Therapy gained worldwide attention after Olympic athletes displayed cupping marks on their bodies, including Michael Phelps, the Olympic gold medal swimmer. In professional sports, cupping is used as part of physical recovery and performance enhancement.
For athletes, cupping increases blood circulation to heavily-used muscles, helping oxygen and nutrients reach muscle cells more effectively. It accelerates the removal of lactic acid and metabolic waste accumulated during exercise, enabling faster muscle recovery after training or competition.
Cupping helps reduce muscle pain and tension, releases adhesed fascia, and increases muscle flexibility. Athletes with chronic injuries such as swimmer's shoulder, weightlifter's back pain, or runner's calf pain can use cupping alongside other treatments to speed recovery.
At Hua Yi Tang Clinic, cupping for athletes can be combined with acupuncture for enhanced results. Acupuncture helps reduce pain and stimulate tissue repair, while cupping relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. Combined treatment addresses both symptoms and body recovery comprehensively.
Athletes interested in cupping should consult practitioners about optimal timing, such as after heavy training or 2-3 days before competition. After cupping, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and avoid very cold showers or ice baths immediately, allowing the body to recover fully.