When Michael Phelps stepped onto the Olympic pool deck at the 2016 Rio Games with distinctive circular marks across his shoulders and back, the world wanted to know: what is that? The answer was cupping therapy for sports recovery, and suddenly, a practice with thousands of years of history found itself in the global sports spotlight. At Acu Hijama in Chicago, our practitioner Amal Khaled has seen growing interest from athletes and active individuals who want to recover faster, perform better, and reduce their reliance on pain medication.
Here’s what you need to know about cupping therapy for sports recovery — without the hype.
How Does Cupping Therapy Work for Athletes?
Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which lifts the tissue and draws blood toward the surface. Unlike massage, which applies pressure downward, cupping works by pulling the tissue upward. This decompression effect is thought to:
- Increase blood flow to muscle tissue, delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for repair
- Release myofascial adhesions — the knots and tight bands that develop from repetitive training
- Reduce inflammation in overworked muscles
- Accelerate the removal of metabolic waste products like lactic acid that build up during intense exercise
For athletes dealing with tight hamstrings, sore calves, stiff shoulders, or overworked lower backs, cupping offers a different kind of relief from what traditional massage alone can achieve.
What Does the Evidence Say?
Research on cupping for sports recovery is still developing. A systematic review published in PLOS ONE found that cupping therapy was associated with reduced pain and improved range of motion in athletes, though the authors noted that more high-quality research is needed. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that cupping combined with usual care produced better outcomes for muscle soreness than usual care alone.
While the evidence base is not yet robust enough for definitive clinical guidelines, many sports physiotherapists and holistic practitioners report consistent anecdotal improvement in their athletic patients. At Acu Hijama, we’re honest about what we know and what we’re still learning.
Dry Cupping vs Wet Cupping (Hijama) for Athletes
There are two main types of cupping used in sports contexts:
- Dry cupping: Suction only, no skin incisions. This is the most common form used for muscle recovery and sports therapy. The cups may be left in place (static cupping) or moved across the skin with oil (sliding cupping).
- Wet cupping (Hijama): Involves small superficial incisions before cupping to draw out a small amount of blood. More commonly associated with traditional Islamic healing, it is also used by some athletes seeking a deeper detoxifying effect.
Your practitioner at Acu Hijama will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your goals and physical condition.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Cupping can be applied to most large muscle groups. Common areas for athletes include:
- Upper and lower back — for postural tension and spinal decompression
- Hamstrings and quadriceps — for runners and cyclists
- Calves — for runners dealing with tightness or shin splints
- Shoulders and neck — for swimmers, tennis players, and overhead sport athletes
- IT band and glutes — for hip and knee pain
What to Expect During and After Your Session
Book a cupping session in Chicago at Acu Hijama for a process that is straightforward and efficient. Your practitioner will assess your areas of concern, select appropriate cup placements, and apply the therapy for 5 to 15 minutes per site. The sensation is a feeling of suction and warmth rather than pain.
The circular marks left behind are normal — they indicate where blood has been drawn to the surface — and typically fade within 3 to 10 days. They are not bruises in the traditional sense and are not painful to touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cupping affect my training schedule?
Most athletes can return to light activity the same day or the day after a cupping session. For intense training, it’s best to schedule cupping during a recovery day or lighter training week.
Do the cupping marks hurt?
The marks are not painful to touch, even though they can look dramatic. They are caused by suction bringing blood and interstitial fluid to the surface and are not the same as bruises from impact.
How many sessions do athletes typically need?
For acute recovery, one to three sessions may be sufficient. Athletes using cupping as a regular part of their recovery routine often schedule sessions every two to four weeks throughout their training season.
Can cupping replace sports massage?
Not exactly — but they complement each other well. Cupping decompresses and lifts tissue, while massage works by applying direct pressure. Many athletes use both as part of a comprehensive recovery protocol.
Is cupping suitable for injury rehabilitation?
Cupping may support recovery from certain soft tissue injuries by improving circulation and reducing tension. However, it should not be applied directly over acute injuries, swollen joints, or broken skin. Always consult your physiotherapist or doctor first.
Does cupping improve flexibility and range of motion?
Some athletes report improved flexibility after cupping, particularly in areas with chronic tightness. The myofascial decompression effect may help release restrictions that limit movement.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Holistic and traditional therapies at Acu Hijama are intended to complement — not replace — conventional medical care. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, are pregnant, or are taking medication. Individual results may vary.
Amal Khaled is a board-certified practitioner in Oriental Medicine and the lead practitioner at Acu Hijama. With over a decade of experience, Amal holds a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine, a Diploma in Clinical Homeopathy, and certifications in Hijama and Modern Leech Therapy. She is passionate about sharing her expertise in holistic health with her patients through her articles and blogs. Amal combines traditional healing methods with modern medical practices, offering personalized treatments to promote optimal health and wellness.
