Myofascial Cupping Therapy

Cupping Therapy in Bedford

Cupping therapy has been around for over two thousand years, and while The Body Sage Clinic in Bedford hasn’t been using it quite as long as that, we have been using it regularly and successfully for well over a decade. Cupping therapy comes in many forms, but we specifically use a version called “Myofascial Cupping” to treat muscular pain. The use of cupping therapy to treat muscle pain is nothing new but has gained much popularity in recent years for its ease of use, effectiveness, and scientific backing.

Our Myofascial Cupping Therapy is performed by applying a vacuum cup to the surface of the skin on or around the affected area. In some cases, the cup is left in place, while in others the cup is moved along and across the affected muscle(s). Small areas tend to use smaller cups, and larger areas use larger cups. The cups apply an extremely focused stretch by picking up the muscle and fascial tissues. Its effectiveness and simplicity make it an excellent choice on its own or combined with massage.

Where to find us

Our clinic is located on Tavistock Street in Bedford Town Centre. There’s plenty of nearby parking outside our clinic, and Queen Street Multi-Storey car park is less than 50 metres away. Parking on Tavistock Street and the surrounding streets is only free in the evening, but Queen Street Multi-Storey car park offers two hours of free parking every day.
Bedford Bus Station is just a short 5-minute walk away from the clinic.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between regular cupping and myofascial cupping?
There are a few types of cupping, calling it myofascial cupping clearly separates it from the others.

How old is cupping therapy?
It’s hard to say exactly, but there are references dating back to ancient Greece and ancient China.

Why do you offer both types of cupping – is one better than the other?
They are both on offer as it’s often a matter of personal preference, but also it’s about being able to use the right tool for the right job without being constrained to only one option.

Is this the same as Hijama Cupping?
Definitely, not.

Is this the same as Fire Cupping?
No. We use vacuum cups to generate suction against the skin rather than fire. It’s the same but without the risk of fire.

How do I know which one I need?
We generally choose which is best on your behalf based on the problem at hand.

Does this leave round purple bruises?
Yes, if the cups are applied very firmly and not moved.

Is there any scientific evidence to support cupping therapy?
Studies show that Myofascial Cupping can increase the overall flexibility of muscles and range of motion, and may have an effect on pain and blood flow.

I read that cupping is pseudo-science.
Traditional cupping uses the notion that the cups are extracting or drawing out something through the skin, so it’s not hard to see why the scientific literature describes it that way. This is not the same methodology we employ.