Categories: Shoulder

COMBO CUPPING THERAPY AND GUA SHA (IASTM) FOR INCREASING SHOULDER MOBILITY

Don’t worry. The images below showing cupping therapy (top image) and the after-effects of both cupping and gau sha (bottom image) appear much worse than they actually are.


Both cupping therapy and gua sha or IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) have many clinical uses. At MovEvolution Physical and Performance Therapy, we used a combo of cupping and gua sha on David’s right scapular region to “distract” or lift tissue (cupping) and break up soft tissue adhesions (gua sha) to stimulate blood flow/circulation and decrease pain.


Notice the specific patterns and color changes along David’s central back from cupping and his right scapula from gua sha? These restricted spots should improve over time with continued manual therapy and client homework.


Remember: Normal healing depends upon 2 very important things:
1) Good circulation
2) Healthy tissue


Got a “stuck” or painful shoulder? Click HERE to schedule a shoulder evaluation. We love shoulders at MovEvolution Physical and Performance Therapy.


heal. move. MOBILIZE. evolve.

Richard Symister

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