You’ve probably seen the round marks on swimmers, lifters or a coworker and wondered what cupping actually involves. If you’re curious but not sure what to expect, this video is for you. It walks through a real look at cupping at Total Muscle Therapy in Lehi, from the lats and upper back to golf swings and the lower leg, in just under two minutes.
What you’re seeing in this video
- 0:00 Lat cupping with arm movement. Cups go along the lat and the side of the back. The therapist then moves the client’s arm and adds a massage gun while the cups stay on.
- 0:17 Golf swings with cups on. Golfers take practice swings with cups along the spine, shoulder and the back of the leg.
- 0:31 Upper back. Twenty or more cups on the upper back, a massage gun working right next to them, full-back cupping out to the shoulder and arm, and the gun on the top of the shoulder close to the neck.
- 1:07 Swing drill from the front. The same golf drill from another angle.
- 1:29 Lower leg. Cupping on the shin paired with kinesiology tape on the calf and Achilles, followed by how to book.
What is cupping?
Cupping uses suction cups placed on the skin. Instead of pressing into the muscle like a typical massage, the suction lifts the skin and the tissue beneath it. The clear cups in the video have small valves on top, which lets the therapist set how strong the pull is on each cup.
Cups can stay in one spot, or your therapist can combine them with movement, like moving your arm or having you take a golf swing, so the tissue under the cups is working while they’re on. You’ll also see us use a massage gun around the cups. Many clients come in for back and shoulder tension, and athletes often use cupping as part of their routine while they keep training. People describe the results in different ways; many say the area simply feels looser.
Who it’s for
- Anyone with back, neck or shoulder tension from desk work, driving or lifting
- Athletes who want cupping worked into a sports massage
- Golfers and other rotation-sport athletes who like working with movement
- Runners and court-sport players who want attention on the lower legs
Let your therapist know if you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, bruise easily or have any skin conditions. Cupping may not be the right choice in those cases.
What to expect at Total Muscle Therapy in Lehi
Cupping is usually part of a sports massage rather than a separate add-on. Your session starts with a consultation about what you want to work on. Your therapist then builds cupping in where it makes sense, alongside techniques like deep tissue work, scraping and percussion, and finishes with recovery stretches. Each session is tailored to you.
Sessions run 30 minutes ($70), 60 minutes ($130) or 90 minutes ($215). Our clinic is at 3400 N 1200 W in Lehi; you’ll find directions on our Lehi location page. It’s an easy trip from Saratoga Springs, American Fork, Highland and Traverse Mountain.
FAQs
What are the round marks from cupping?
The circles come from the suction. They’re usually painless and typically fade on their own over several days. How dark they get varies from person to person and visit to visit.
How long do the cups stay on?
It varies. Some cups stay on for a few minutes, and some are moved or used with movement. Your therapist will decide based on the area and how you’re feeling.
Can I get cupping in a 30-minute session?
Yes. A 30-minute session works well for focusing on one area, like the upper back or one side of the body.
Does cupping hurt?
Most people feel a strong pulling sensation, not pain. Speak up anytime and your therapist will ease off the suction.
Book your cupping session in Lehi
Ready to try it for yourself? Book online for any day Monday through Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Add “cupping” to your booking notes and we’ll plan your session around it.
Watch more clips, including short versions of each technique, on the Total Muscle Therapy Lehi YouTube channel.
Total Muscle Therapy Lehi: Location and Hours
Total Muscle Therapy Lehi
3400 N 1200 W, Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: (801) 615-0042
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm
Get directions on Google Maps · Book online
Recent Comments