Unlock Tight Muscles: How Cupping & Instrument-Assisted Manual Therapy Work Together to Relieve Pain
Schie Health | Physical Therapy in Virginia Beach
Chronic tension. Nagging pain. That stubborn muscle knot that won’t let go. If this sounds familiar, cupping or instrument-assisted manual therapy (IASTM) might be the game-changing tools your body needs to heal.
At Schie Health, we use both techniques during physical therapy to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and help you move more freely—no guesswork, no gimmicks.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping uses gentle suction to lift the skin and surrounding tissue. This improves circulation, breaks up muscle adhesions, and stimulates the body’s natural detox response. Unlike deep massage, it works upward—offering relief without added pressure.
Conditions it supports:
Muscle tightness and trigger points
Tension headaches
Shoulder, back, or neck pain
Sports recovery and inflammation
What Is Instrument-Assisted Manual Therapy (IASTM)?
IASTM uses smooth metal or plastic tools to glide along muscles and fascia. It helps identify restrictions and break up scar tissue or adhesions—especially useful in overused or post-surgical areas.
It’s ideal for:
Plantar fasciitis
Tendonitis
Chronic muscle knots
Scar mobilization after surgery or injury
Why Folks Love It
Speeds recovery from sports, dance, and marching band injuries
Unlocks mobility gains for gym-goers, lifters, or yoga lovers
Relieves chronic tension from desk jobs, parenting, and aging muscles
No matter your stage of life, these tools accelerate healing and reduce pain without relying on medications.
What to Expect at Schie Health
Every session includes a full-body movement screen to identify restriction patterns. We combine cupping and IASTM with targeted manual therapy and corrective exercises—so you don’t just feel better… you stay better.
Is It Painful?
Not at all. You may feel tightness or pulling, and some clients experience temporary marks from cupping, but most describe the result as "instant lightness and relief."
