At Local Point Physical Therapy, we use cupping therapy as part of a comprehensive, evidence-informed treatment approach to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery. Whether you're dealing with chronic muscle tension, athletic soreness, stress-related tightness, or postural strain, cupping can be a powerful tool to help your body move and feel better.Serving Wake Forest, Raleigh, Rolesville, Youngsville, and surrounding North Carolina communities, Dr. Christine Kornegay, DPT combines cupping with hands-on physical therapy, movement assessment, corrective exercise, and individualized treatment planning.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a soft tissue treatment technique that uses specialized cups to create gentle suction on the skin and underlying tissues. This suction helps lift and decompress tissue rather than compressing it like traditional massage.Cupping may help:Improve circulation and blood flowReduce muscle tightness and stiffnessImprove mobility and flexibilityDecrease pain and sensitivityPromote relaxation and recoveryImprove tissue glide and fascial mobilitySupport recovery from workouts and trainingThe circular marks sometimes seen after treatment are not bruises. They are temporary discolorations caused by increased circulation and tissue response and typically fade within several days.

Conditions That May Benefit From Cupping Therapy

Neck pain and tension headaches

Shoulder pain and rotator cuff tightness

Back pain and stiffness

Hip tightness and mobility restrictions

IT band and leg tightness

Sports recovery and muscle soreness

Postural tension from desk work

Chronic muscle tension and trigger points

Scar tissue and fascial restrictions

Scar tissue

What to Expect During a Cupping Session

Your session begins with a movement and soft tissue assessment to determine whether cupping is appropriate for your condition. Cups are then placed strategically over restricted or painful areas. Depending on your needs, treatment may include: Static cupping (cups remain in place), Dynamic cupping (cups move along tissues), movement-based cupping combined with stretching or exercise. Integration with manual therapy and corrective exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cupping Therapy

Does cupping therapy hurt?

Most people find cupping relaxing. You may feel pressure or pulling during treatment, but it should not be painful.

How long do cupping marks last?

Marks typically fade within a few days to about two weeks depending on the intensity of treatment and individual circulation.

Is cupping therapy safe?

When performed by a trained healthcare professional, cupping is generally considered safe for appropriate candidates.

How is cupping different from massage?

Massage compresses tissue, while cupping creates decompression and stretch within the soft tissues.

Can cupping be combined with dry needling or physical therapy?

Yes. Cupping is often integrated with manual therapy, exercise, and dry needling as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.

Areas We Serve

We provide dry needling services in:

• Raleigh, NC

• Wake Forest, NC

• Rolesville, NC

• Youngsville, NC

• Franklinton, NC

Mobile and in-home treatment options may also be available.