What it is
Cupping uses gentle suction to decompress tissue and draw blood flow to areas that are tight or recovering. IASTM (instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, including Graston-style 'scraping') uses smooth tools to glide over muscle and fascia, breaking up restrictions and restoring glide.
Who it's for
Cupping & IASTM is a good fit if you're dealing with any of these:
- Tight, stubborn tissue that isn't responding to stretching
- Soreness or heaviness after hard training
- Restricted areas that limit your range of motion
- Anyone wanting to speed recovery between sessions
What to expect
Cupping leaves temporary circular marks, that's increased blood flow, not bruising, and it fades within a few days. IASTM may feel scratchy but shouldn't be painful. Both are quick and fold into the rest of your session.
Conditions we treat with this
Cupping & IASTM is often part of the plan for:
Frequently asked questions
Does cupping hurt, and what are the marks?
Cupping shouldn't be painful, most people find it relieving. The temporary circular marks are from increased blood flow to the area, not bruising, and they typically fade within a few days.
What is IASTM (Graston), and how is it different from cupping?
IASTM, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, often called Graston-style 'scraping', uses smooth tools to glide over muscle and fascia and free up restrictions. Cupping uses suction to lift and decompress tissue. They work in opposite directions and pair well together.
How long do the cupping marks last?
Usually a few days to about a week. The circular marks reflect increased blood flow to the area, not bruising, and they fade on their own with no special care.
Is cupping safe?
For most people, yes. We screen for the few situations where it isn't appropriate and adjust the suction to your comfort. Let us know about blood thinners, skin conditions, or pregnancy and we'll tailor the approach.
Care provided one-on-one by Dr. Dominick Hernandez, D.C. in Woodland Hills, CA.