Your lats, the big muscles running along the sides of your back, are involved every time you pull, climb, swim or reach overhead. When they feel tight, you may notice it in your shoulders, your posture or your overhead lifts. At Total Muscle Therapy in Lehi, one way we work the lats during a sports massage is cupping while we move your arm. This short video shows what that looks like and why we do it.
What you’re seeing in this video
- A client lying on a massage table with cups along the lat and the side of the back.
- The therapist lifting the client’s arm overhead and moving it while the cups stay on.
- A massage gun working the lat with the cups still in place.
The clip was filmed in an open gym space, so you’ll see other tables and equipment in the background.
Why move the arm?
The lat runs from your lower and mid back up to the top of your upper arm. When your arm goes overhead, the lat lengthens. When the arm comes back down, it shortens. If the muscle only gets worked while you lie still, your therapist is only working it in one position.
Moving the arm lets us work the lat as it lengthens and shortens, closer to how it actually moves when you train. It also lets your therapist feel where the motion seems stiff. That idea runs through our whole sports massage approach: many techniques are done while a muscle moves through its full range of motion. Many clients find their shoulders and upper back feel freer afterward, though everyone’s response is a bit different.
Who it’s for
- Climbers, swimmers and paddlers
- Lifters and CrossFit athletes who do a lot of pull-ups, rows and overhead work
- Pitchers, quarterbacks, volleyball and tennis players
- Anyone whose upper back or shoulders feel stiff when reaching overhead
You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to book a sports massage. If you’re active, or want to be, it can fit you.
What to expect at Total Muscle Therapy in Lehi
Your sports massage is built around your sport and your goals. Your therapist will start with an assessment and ask about anything that’s slowing you down. They may use a mix of deep tissue work, trigger point work, cupping, muscle scraping and percussion, and may move your arms or legs through a range of motion as they go.
If you’d rather keep things on the table without movement, a deep tissue massage is another option for tight lats and upper back. Every session includes a consultation and recovery stretches. We’re at 3400 N 1200 W in Lehi, close for clients coming from Highland and Traverse Mountain.
FAQs
Is cupping with movement uncomfortable?
You’ll feel the pull of the cups shift as your arm moves. It can feel strong, but it shouldn’t hurt. Your therapist will adjust suction or range of motion if needed.
Do I need to do anything while my arm is moving?
Usually not. Your therapist guides the movement. They may ask you to relax, or to help a little with the motion.
Will I be sore afterward?
Some people feel mild soreness for a day or so after focused work, similar to after a workout. Drink water and keep moving gently.
Will the cups leave marks?
Often, yes. The round marks from cupping typically fade on their own over several days.
Book a sports massage in Lehi
Lats feeling tight before your next climb, swim or lift? Book your sports massage online for any day Monday through Saturday, 8am to 8pm, and note “lats” in your booking so your therapist can plan the session.
Want to see more? Find all our short clips 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
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