Adjunct treatments
Cupping is an optional extra that may be added to some osteopathy appointments at the clinic on Martin Street, Brighton. It’s mostly dry (static) cupping, with oil-based myofascial cupping where suitable.
Cupping is an adjunct: it’s used alongside hands-on osteopathy, advice and exercise, never on its own. This page explains what it is, how a session works, what the research says, possible side effects and who it may not suit.
This is general information only. It is not a diagnosis or a promise of results. If I think another health professional would suit you better, I’ll say so.
What it is
Cupping uses cups that create suction on the skin, gently lifting the skin and the soft tissues underneath rather than pressing down on them. The cups work by suction, not flame, and the skin isn’t broken. I’ve completed Level 1 dry needling and myofascial cupping training. In practice:
Most of the time I use dry (static) cupping, where the cups stay in one place for a short time
Where suitable, I use oil-based myofascial cupping, where the cups are moved slowly across the skin
You’ll feel a pulling or tight sensation, which shouldn’t be painful
It commonly leaves round marks on the skin that fade over the following days
It’s used as one part of a broader plan, not as a stand-alone fix
Cupping is only offered where I think it suits you, and you’re always free to say no.
What it’s commonly used alongside
Cupping is usually one part of an appointment, used alongside hands-on treatment and exercise. Practitioners commonly use it for muscle-related pain and tightness such as:
Neck and shoulder tightness
Upper and lower back pain
Tightness from long hours at a desk
Tightness after sport, running or gym training
Hip and thigh muscle tightness
Whether cupping is a sensible option depends on your assessment. It isn’t used for every condition or every person.
How a session works
Cupping is added within an osteopathy appointment, after your assessment. I’ll explain why I’m suggesting it, what it involves, the marks it can leave and the alternatives, and I’ll only go ahead with your consent.
For dry cupping, I place the cups and adjust the suction so it feels comfortable, then leave them in place for a short time. For myofascial cupping, I apply a little oil first and move the cups slowly over the muscle. You can ask me to stop at any time.
Afterwards we carry on with hands-on treatment and the exercises in your plan.
What an appointment may include
An osteopathy assessment and a clear explanation of your options
Hands-on treatment and exercise advice
Cupping over the affected area, where suitable and with your consent
What the research says
Cupping has been studied for several kinds of musculoskeletal pain, including neck pain, low back pain and knee osteoarthritis. The evidence is mixed:
Some systematic reviews suggest cupping may help reduce pain in some musculoskeletal conditions, mainly in the short term
Most of those reviews rate the evidence as low quality, often because trials were small or had a high risk of bias
A 2025 review comparing cupping with placebo (sham) cupping found its effect on pain was very uncertain
Reviews have generally found little clear benefit for day-to-day function
Trials vary in cup type, suction and treatment time, so results from one study may not apply to everyone
Overall, some studies suggest cupping may help reduce muscle-related pain for some people, but the evidence is mixed and still developing. That’s why I only use it alongside hands-on care and exercise, not instead of them.
How progress is reviewed
Everyone responds differently, so I don’t set a fixed number of sessions. At each follow-up we’ll check in on what’s changed — pain, sleep, movement and the activities that matter to you — and adjust the plan from there.
If cupping isn’t adding anything for you, we’ll stop using it. If things aren’t changing as expected, we’ll talk about why, and whether a referral or a different approach makes more sense.
Possible side effects
Round red or purple marks where the cups were, which usually fade within a few days
Bruising or tenderness in the treated area
Temporary muscle soreness after treatment
Feeling light-headed or dizzy during or after treatment
Rarely, skin irritation or blistering
If you have an event coming up where marks would bother you, let me know and we can plan around it.
Who cupping may not suit
Cupping may not be suitable, or may need extra care, if you:
Take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder
Have broken, sunburnt or irritated skin, a rash or an infection over the area
Are pregnant, or might be
Have varicose veins, a recent blood clot or swelling in the area
Have fragile skin, for example from long-term steroid use
Have diabetes or another condition that affects skin healing
Frequently asked questions
What are the marks?
The suction draws blood towards the skin’s surface, which can leave round marks. They’re not burns, and they usually fade within a few days. Let me know if you’d rather avoid visible marks.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed to book. Some funding schemes, such as a Medicare chronic condition management plan, do require a GP referral — see the Funding and claims page for details.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel a strong pulling or tightness rather than pain. I adjust the suction so it stays comfortable, and you can ask me to stop at any time.
Will I have cupping at every appointment?
No. It’s only used when I think it suits your assessment and goals, and you can say no at any time.
How many appointments will I need?
It depends on you, your symptoms and your goals. We’ll discuss a plan at your first visit and review it as we go, without locking you into a set number of sessions.
General information only. Osteopathy isn’t right for everyone — I’ll be straight with you if another option is better.
Ready to book?
By appointment only at 123 Martin Street, Brighton.