Manual Therapy
Soft Tissue Release, Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Cupping Therapy
Manual Therapy can be done manually (by hand) or with hand held tools. Myofascial release breaks up fascial adhesions in the skin and on the muscle surface and helps to regulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and help lymph drainage.
Fascial adhesions can progress to become trigger points where pain and inflammation can refer down several fascial planes of the body. Myofascial release is extremely effective in trigger point therapy.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping, or Ba Gua, is a Traditional Chinese method of soft tissue release. The cups are applied directly to the skin to ensure proper suction. Dr. Sutphin uses plastic manual suction cupping therapy to help increase blood flow, regulate qi flow in the acupuncture meridians, and relieve tight muscles.
Cupping may be utilized after strenuous exercise to help reduce lactic acid buildup and thus helps reduce muscle aches and cramping.
The cups can be slowly moved across the skin or left in place for 3-10 minutes depending on patient need. Cupping is often done after acupuncture treatment, but is very beneficial on its own.
