05/18/2026
Cupping therapy is often misunderstood as just the circular marks seen on athletes’ backs, but it’s a powerful physical therapy tool for treating muscular back pain and stiffness. In this video, we explain what cupping therapy actually does and why it works.
Cupping therapy works by lifting the tissue instead of pushing down on it. This helps increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and calm the nervous system so the back can move more freely.
Cupping is especially helpful for:
Back tightness and stiffness
Muscular back pain
Pain related to prolonged sitting or poor posture
Cupping marks are normal and temporary. They are not bruises and typically fade within a few days.
At Manhattan Physical Therapy, located at 385 5th Ave in Midtown Manhattan, cupping therapy is used alongside physical therapy to help patients feel better and move better.
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Cupping is not just those circles you see on athletes’ backs, and it’s not bruising.
Cupping is helpful if you have back tightness, muscle stiffness, or pain that won’t go away.
Cupping works by lifting the tissue instead of pushing down on it.
That increases blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and helps your nervous system relax so your back can move better.
Cupping is especially helpful for muscular back pain caused by sitting long hours, poor posture, or built-up tension.
Those marks are normal. They’re not bruises—they’re temporary circulation changes that resolve in a few days.
At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we combine cupping with physical therapy to help our patients feel better.
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