Change in Muscle Stiffness Using Shear Wave Elastography, Range of Motion, and Perceived Pain Following a Cupping Therapy Treatment in Physically Active Adults

Introduction- Cupping therapy originated in Eastern medicine practices, became renowned in international sports, and is now utilized as a therapeutic device for treating musculoskeletal issues in a wide variety of physically active individuals. As with any modality, there is a question of efficacy. This study focused on the effect of cupping therapy on muscle stiffness (MS), active dorsiflexion (DF), and perceived pain. Purpose- The purpose of this study was to examine changes in MS, active DF, and perceived pain on the medial gastrocnemius following a cupping therapy treatment. Methods- Twenty physically active, healthy participants completed an exercise protocol to induce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) on both lower legs. Participants received a 5-minute cupping treatment on the dominant leg and 5-minutes of rest on the non-dominant leg. DF, MS, and perceived pain were measured at baseline, pre-treatment, post treatment, and 5-minutes post treatment on the medial gastrocnemius muscle. Statistical Analysis- A repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the main effect and interaction of the conditions and time. Results- Active DF was significantly different from baseline to pre-treatment, post treatment, and 5-minute post treatment (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, p=0.01). Pre-treatment and 5-minute post treatment DF were also significantly different (p=0.05). Active DF was significantly higher at the post treatment and 5-minute post treatment measurements. MS was not significant at any of the time points (p=0.398) nor between conditions (p=0.140). Baseline pain was significantly different than pre-treatment, post treatment, and 5-minute post treatment measurements (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Pre-treatment pain was significantly different than post treatment and 5-minute post treatment (p=0.09, p < 0.001). Post treatment pain was also significantly different than 5-minute post treatment (p=0.07). Conclusion- After a cupping treatment, active DF was improved in the experimental leg. Participants also reported pain improved following the cupping treatment. No significant difference in MS was observed following the treatment. Thus, a single cupping therapy treatment is a useful modality for individuals experiencing pain and restrictions in ROM.