At Severn, we apply controlled mechanical vacuum to the skin and underlying soft tissues as part of our approach to musculoskeletal pain.
Cupping has a long history, but our approach is grounded in a modern perspective on anatomy, musculoskeletal pain and the possible role of inflammation in pain and injury.
4.9 · 400+ Google reviews A handheld pump creates adjustable suction, allowing us to control the pulling force applied to the tissues.
We use stationary or moving cups, depending on the area and what our examination suggests about the pain.
Cupping itself generally takes about 15 minutes and forms part of an appointment with other appropriate treatments.
People are sometimes surprised that a clinic equipped with sophisticated treatment technology still uses cupping so regularly.
Alongside high-power lasers and shockwave equipment, a simple suction cup can seem rather old-fashioned.
But technological sophistication doesn't necessarily determine clinical value.
After years of working with different physical treatment methods, we've continued to find cupping worth including in our approach to pain.
It isn't something we keep around for tradition's sake, nor is it an occasional novelty.
It's one of the techniques we frequently consider when patients present with soft-tissue pain, and it remains a cornerstone of our clinical practice.
Changing pressure within the soft tissues
Most physical treatments apply pressure towards the body. Vacuum cupping works in the opposite direction.
By reducing the air pressure inside a cup, we create suction that draws the skin upwards and changes the mechanical forces acting on the superficial tissues.
That's the part we can observe directly.
Our clinical theory centres on changes in interstitial pressure and tissue tension, and the possibility that these may influence local circulation, fluid movement and inflammatory processes.
The intention is to influence the local tissue environment, then assess whether anything meaningful changes.
While we have our own theories about cupping, we don't claim that research has established its overall effectiveness in managing pain or confirmed its proposed mechanisms. Many studies are small or have methodological limitations, so firm conclusions remain difficult.
Proposed effects of interstitial fluid and impact on inflammation have yet to be fully researched.
Fascia is an extensive network of connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles, nerves, blood vessels and other structures throughout the body.
It's not simply packaging. Fascial tissues contain sensory nerve endings and have become an increasingly interesting subject in pain research.
With cupping, the skin and superficial tissues are pulled upwards rather than pressed downwards. This changes the mechanical loading of the connective tissue beneath the cup.
That makes fascia particularly interesting to us. We consider the movement, sensitivity and anatomical location of these tissues during examination, while recognising that their exact contribution to an individual's pain can be difficult to establish.
We consider cupping when we suspect that superficial fascial tension, tissue sensitivity or local inflammatory activity may be contributing to someone's pain.
The difficulty is that these things aren't always easy to identify.
There's no simple blood test or routine scan that can tell us whether a particular area of fascia is restricted and responsible for someone's symptoms.
This means clinical judgement is important. We use anatomical knowledge, palpation and the patient's symptoms to decide whether cupping may be worth considering.
The area itself matters, too. Broad surfaces with sufficient soft tissue are generally easier to cup than regions with prominent bones, thin tissues or irregular contours.
At Severn, we use cupping in combination with other appropriate treatments rather than as an isolated intervention.
Ask us about cupping →
The same vacuum principle, applied differently
We position a cup against the skin and use a handheld mechanical pump to create suction.
The cup remains in place for a selected period, maintaining a pulling force on the tissues beneath it.
This is the method we use most frequently.
Sometimes we move a cup across the skin while maintaining suction.
This changes the direction and distribution of mechanical forces as the cup travels over the treatment area.
We use moving cups more selectively, depending on the anatomy and the intended application.
We discuss your symptoms and examine the relevant tissues, paying attention to tenderness, anatomy and possible treatment locations.
You'll usually lie on the treatment table, although some areas can be treated while sitting. We position the cups against the skin and explain what to expect.
A handheld pump creates suction within each cup. We adjust the intensity according to the area and your comfort. Most treatments involve stationary cups, generally left in place for around 15 minutes.
We release the suction, remove the cups and reassess your symptoms and movement. Cupping is usually one component of a longer appointment involving other treatment methods.
Cupping produces a distinctive pulling sensation. Initially, the suction can feel surprisingly strong, sometimes accompanied by pressure or discomfort.
Interestingly, we often find that the sensation becomes easier to tolerate as the session progresses. Many people describe the later stages as relaxing, and some find them extremely relaxing.
We monitor your comfort and adjust the suction rather than expecting you to tolerate excessive intensity.
Those famous circles don't tell the whole story
The dark circular marks associated with cupping have become its most recognisable feature. It's natural to assume that every treatment leaves them behind.
But in our clinical experience, the majority of cups leave little or no lasting mark at all.
Sometimes darker circles do appear, and we often notice them around areas where patients are experiencing pain.
There's considerable variation between people, between treatment areas and even between cups used during the same appointment.
When marks occur, they may remain visible for several days before fading. We explain this possibility before treatment so you know what to expect.
We look for an answer early.
One of the things we particularly value about cupping is that, in our clinical experience, patients who respond often show some change relatively quickly.
We reassess pain, tenderness and movement after treatment.
We also want to know what happens over the following days. Did anything change? How much? And how long did it last?
Like every healthcare intervention, cupping doesn't work for everybody.
If there's no worthwhile response, we'd rather recognise that early and consider other treatment options than continue with an approach that doesn't appear to be helping.
Our clinical experience helps us decide when cupping is worth considering. Your individual response helps us decide what to do next.
If cupping isn't providing a meaningful response, we reconsider the plan rather than repeating it by default.
See our Wellington clinic and treatment rooms before your first appointment.
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BHSc (Paramedicine) · EMT · Sports Therapy
Doctor of Physiotherapy · NZPA
The initial pulling sensation can be strong or uncomfortable. We adjust the suction to your tolerance, and many people find it becomes more comfortable as the session progresses.
Not necessarily. In our clinical experience, most cups leave little or no lasting mark, although temporary circular marks are possible.
No. We use a handheld mechanical pump to create and control the suction.
No. Some skin conditions, bleeding risks, medications and other clinical considerations can make cupping inappropriate. We check suitability before proceeding.
At Severn, cupping generally forms part of an appointment that includes other appropriate treatment techniques.
No. Tell us about your symptoms or interest in cupping, and we'll help you arrange an appropriate appointment.
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