Cupping Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

If you've been dealing with the dreaded frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, you know just how tough it can be to manage. The pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion can make even simple tasks—like reaching for a coffee mug or putting on a coat—a serious challenge. Many people turn to different types of manual therapy for relief, and cupping therapy has become a popular choice in recent years for those dealing with frozen shoulder. But how does it work, and what should you expect if you give it a try? Let’s dive into the benefits of cupping therapy and how it may help you or your clients manage the symptoms of frozen shoulder.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice with roots in traditional Chinese medicine and various cultures worldwide. The technique involves placing cups—typically made of glass, silicone, or plastic—on the skin to create a suction effect. This suction lifts the skin, fascia, and some underlying tissues, helping to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. Over time, cupping has become a go-to technique in many types of manual and physical therapy because it offers unique benefits that other therapies don’t.

There are different types of cupping, but the two main techniques are dry cupping and wet cupping. For frozen shoulder, we typically use dry cupping, where no incisions are made on the skin. In dry cupping, the suction alone is believed to create enough therapeutic effect without the need for the more invasive wet cupping method.

How Cupping Therapy Works

The science behind cupping isn’t fully understood, but practitioners believe that cupping stimulates increased blood circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, and helps release tight muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). By creating a vacuum, cupping pulls blood to the affected area, which can help bring nutrients and oxygen to muscles and soft tissues that may be struggling to heal on their own.

Some benefits of cupping therapy include:

• Increased blood flow to the treated area
• Reduced muscle tension and myofascial restriction
• Decreased inflammation in and around joints
• Improved range of motion in areas affected by tightness or injury

For those dealing with frozen shoulder, these effects may help alleviate symptoms and improve mobility over time. The goal of cupping is not to directly “cure” frozen shoulder but rather to manage pain, increase range of motion, and improve overall shoulder function.

What is Frozen Shoulder, and Why is It So Tough to Treat?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder capsule (the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint) thickens and tightens, forming adhesions that restrict movement. People with frozen shoulder go through three stages: freezing (pain and stiffness begin), frozen (shoulder is highly stiff, and movement is severely limited), and thawing (movement gradually improves, but it can take months or even years to fully recover).

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but it is more common in people over 40, especially women and individuals with certain medical conditions like diabetes. Recovery is slow and can be painful, which is why many turn to therapies like cupping for additional support and symptom relief.

How Cupping Therapy Can Help Manage Frozen Shoulder

When used for frozen shoulder, cupping therapy is typically applied to specific areas around the shoulder, upper back, and even parts of the upper arm. Here’s how it may help:

Reducing Muscle Tension and Fascial Tightness
Frozen shoulder doesn’t only affect the shoulder joint; it also impacts the surrounding muscles and connective tissues. When the shoulder becomes immobile, the muscles around it—such as the trapezius, deltoids, pectorals, and rotator cuff muscles—often become tight and overworked as they compensate for the restricted movement. By applying cupping therapy to these areas, we can help release the tension and fascial restrictions, making it easier to move the shoulder without as much pain.

Increasing Blood Flow and Nutrient Delivery
The suction effect in cupping increases blood flow to the targeted areas, which is crucial for healing. Improved blood circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to tissues that may be struggling to heal or function normally. With frozen shoulder, this increased blood flow can help reduce stiffness and encourage a quicker recovery process.

Encouraging Lymphatic Drainage
Cupping also stimulates lymphatic drainage, which helps clear out waste products from muscle metabolism and reduces inflammation. Since inflammation often accompanies frozen shoulder, this effect can be beneficial in reducing swelling and promoting a sense of relief.

Pain Relief Through Neuromodulation
Cupping therapy may also influence the body’s pain perception by activating sensory nerve endings in the skin and soft tissues. This can help decrease the perception of pain in the shoulder, making it easier for clients to move and engage in physical therapy exercises, which are essential for frozen shoulder recovery.

What to Expect in a Cupping Therapy Session for Frozen Shoulder

If you’re considering cupping therapy for frozen shoulder, here’s a quick rundown of what you might expect during a session:

1. Preparation: The therapist will assess your shoulder, checking for range of motion, areas of tenderness, and overall joint mobility.

2. Placement of Cups: Once the therapist identifies the tight or restricted areas, they’ll place cups along the shoulder, upper arm, or upper back. These areas may vary depending on where you’re experiencing the most restriction or pain.

3. Suction and Duration: Using a manual pump or heat, the therapist will create suction within each cup, pulling the skin slightly into the cup. Cups are typically left in place for 5-15 minutes.

4. Gliding Technique (Optional): Some therapists may use a technique called “gliding cupping,” where they apply oil and move the cups along the muscle and fascial lines. This can provide a more dynamic release of muscle tension.

5. Aftercare: It’s common to experience some redness or circular marks where the cups were placed. These marks are not bruises and generally fade within a few days. Drinking water after a session is encouraged, as it helps flush out waste products released during the therapy.

Potential Risks and Considerations for Cupping Therapy

While cupping therapy is generally safe, there are a few considerations, especially for people with frozen shoulder.

• Temporary Marks: The suction may leave red or purple marks on the skin, which are harmless and usually fade within a few days.
• Not a Standalone Treatment: While cupping can help manage symptoms, it’s best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physical therapy exercises, stretching, and other techniques.
• Diabetes and Skin Integrity: People with diabetes, who are at higher risk for frozen shoulder, should check with a healthcare provider before trying cupping. Diabetes can sometimes affect skin integrity and healing, so extra care may be needed.

Research and Evidence on Cupping Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Research on cupping therapy specifically for frozen shoulder is still growing, but studies on cupping’s general effects on musculoskeletal pain and restricted movement are promising. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that cupping therapy improved pain and range of motion in patients with shoulder pain, suggesting it may be helpful for conditions like frozen shoulder (Kim et al., 2017). Another study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine reported that cupping reduced pain intensity and increased function in people with chronic neck and shoulder pain, showing its potential benefits for adjacent areas impacted by frozen shoulder (Cao et al., 2015).

Final Thoughts: Is Cupping Therapy Right for You?

If you or your clients are dealing with frozen shoulder, cupping therapy could be a useful addition to a treatment plan focused on restoring mobility and reducing pain. It’s important to remember that cupping won’t resolve frozen shoulder on its own; rather, it works best in conjunction with stretching, strengthening exercises, and possibly other therapies like massage or physical therapy.

For anyone interested in trying cupping, it’s essential to seek out a trained and certified practitioner who has experience working with musculoskeletal conditions like frozen shoulder. A good therapist will assess your needs, tailor the treatment to your symptoms, and integrate cupping as part of a broader, more comprehensive approach to recovery.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular issues.

References

• Kim, J., et al. (2017). "Effect of cupping therapy on chronic shoulder pain." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
• Cao, H., Li, X., & Liu, J. (2015). "An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy." Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine