How the TheraCup Addresses Muscle Pain & Tightness at Home

Authors: Therabody Scientists: Tim Roberts, MSc; Rachelle Reed, PhD, MS, ACSM-EP; Kyle Silvey, PhD, CSCS; Michelle Darian, MS, MPH, RD, LDN

You’ve likely heard of (or have even tried) cupping therapy. This ancient practice, used to help relieve muscle pain, gained widespread recognition when Michael Phelps sported dark red circular bruises that are characteristic of this treatment during the 2016 Olympics.  

This vacuum-like suction decompresses muscles (which is the opposite of compressive therapy that puts pressure on muscles).   

Cupping therapy is a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts as research shows it can improve recovery processes by:  

• Increasing circulation: Overused muscles, fatigued muscles, and chronic muscle tightness and knots can all restrict blood flow to certain areas. Cupping has been shown to improve blood flow — delivering more nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to the treatment area. [2, 3]
• Providing myofascial release: Fascia is the thin, connective tissue that surrounds muscles, and it can become tight or restricted and contribute to stiffness and limit range of motion. Improved circulation enables the flow of oxygen to support myofascial release. Suction helps pull the fascia away from the muscles, allowing it to loosen and move more freely. [1] The suction also helps break up adhesions and trigger points. [4, 5] 
• I mproving lymphatic flush: The lymphatic system is crucial for clearing waste and toxins from tissue. But unlike the circulatory system that is powered by the heart, no organ ensures the proper flow of lymph — meaning this fluid can build up and contribute to muscle soreness and fatigue. Cupping helps flush this stagnant lymph. [6, 7]     
• Supporting anti-inflammatory processes: While cupping is a very localized treatment, research shows that this therapy not only produces local anti-inflammatory properties, but more systemic ones as well. Overall, this could help folks recover from sprains, strains, or wounds — even if the cup can’t be placed directly on the bothersome area. [2] 

Heat therapy 

The TheraCup also delivers heat therapy. While traditional cupping techniques include heat — as the cups are typically heated with a fire of flame to remove oxygen and enhance the vacuum-like effect — TheraCup delivers targeted heat to the skin. In turn, this dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the area. [8]   

Heat also provides short-term pain relief, relieves stiffness and tension, and even relaxes muscles. [8]  

The TheraCup has three heat settings, low, medium, and high. 

Vibration therapy 

Lastly, TheraCup provides vibration therapy, which uses mechanical vibrations that contact the skin and stimulate muscles and joints. 

It feels gentle, soothing, and relaxing as these oscillations lead to quick and repeated muscle contractions. Similar to the other two therapies, vibration also increases blood flow to the treatment area — improving markers of recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage and even the dreaded achiness of delayed onset muscle soreness [9, 10].  

The TheraCup delivers three different vibration settings, low, high, and wave. Select the vibration pattern that feels best for you.  

What about PRO mode?  

For standard cupping treatments, the cup is suctioned in place on a small area of skin and stays put for three minutes.  

TheraCup also offers a Pro Mode — two settings for additional five-minute treatments. 

• Gliding mode: This setting lets you lift and gently glide the cup over the skin after it’s suctioned in place.  
• Flash cupping: This setting lets you suction and release the cup from the skin quickly, leaving it in place for 2-5 seconds and then releasing it.  

When to use the TheraCup 

A TheraCup treatment is beneficial for athletes, marathon runners, cyclists, and avid gym goers to support recovery — so you can get back to your activity at full capacity quicker. It’s also an effective tool for anyone experiencing muscle pain or tightness.  

 Here are a few scenarios in which TheraCup can provide targeted relief.  

• Hamstring tightness: Placing the TheraCup along the back of your thigh can help improve hamstring mobility and circulation. 
•   Quad stiffness: These muscles can be tight from a workout, prolonged sitting, or poor posture. [11] Placing the cup on the front of the thigh can provide some much-needed decompression.  
• C alf tightness: This is common in lower-body dominant activities like running, cycling, and winter sports. Place the cup somewhere above the Achilles tendon and below the back of the knee to help relieve knots.
• S houlder mobility: Lifting weights (including children and groceries) above shoulder height, poor posture, chronic stress, and even side sleeping can leave the shoulder muscles contracted, tight, and sore. You can place the TheraCup between the neck and shoulders or behind the shoulder blade to help with mobility and tension relief.  
• L ower-back tightness: So many folks suffer from low back pain and tightness (read more about causes and treatment options here), but placing the TheraCup on either side of the spine (not directly on the spine) can help with myofascial release and muscle spasms. 

Treatment sessions take just minutes to complete. And like any true cupping experience, you’ll also sport your recovery marks, circular bruises, for a few days.  

Key takeaways