Dry Cupping for Muscle Damage

Overseen By Philip Chilibeck, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan

Disqualifiers: Exercise risk, Skin conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

10 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dry Cupping for Muscle Damage?

Research shows that dry cupping can increase blood oxygen levels and improve muscle recovery after fatigue, suggesting it may help with muscle damage. Additionally, it has been found to reduce muscle fatigue in the biceps after 24 hours, indicating potential benefits for muscle recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is dry cupping generally safe for humans?

Dry cupping is generally considered safe, but it can cause adverse events if not done properly. Most issues are preventable with proper technique and attention to patient conditions. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

How does dry cupping treatment differ from other treatments for muscle damage?

Dry cupping treatment is unique because it involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can enhance blood flow and oxygen uptake in the muscles, potentially reducing muscle stiffness and pain. Unlike other treatments, it is non-invasive, simple to apply, and has minimal side effects, making it a cost-effective option for managing muscle damage. ^{2 5 9 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study compares the effect of dry cupping to placebo cupping after muscle-damaging exercise on recovery of muscle strength, muscle swelling, and muscle soreness.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have experienced muscle injury. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically participants should be in good health aside from the muscle damage and willing to undergo cupping treatment.

Inclusion Criteria

Experienced with upper arm resistance training for at least 3 months

I am either male or female.

Exclusion Criteria

Conditions that might make exercise dangerous (determined by 'yes' answers to the 'Get Active Questionnaire')

I have open wounds or skin issues on my biceps.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Exercise and Treatment

Participants perform six sets of biceps curls followed by dry cupping therapy with and without suction

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for muscle strength, swelling, and soreness at multiple time points after exercise

3 days

3 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dry Cupping without suction
• Dry Cupping with suction

Trial Overview The study is testing two types of dry cupping treatments: one with suction and one without. Participants will receive these treatments after exercises that cause muscle damage to see if there's a difference in recovery of strength, swelling, and soreness.

Participant Groups

Group I: Dry cupping with suction Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Dry cupping without suction Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Saskatchewan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

261

Recruited

156,000+

Findings from Research

Adverse events from cupping therapy are often linked to improper techniques used by practitioners and a lack of consideration for individual patient conditions.

Clinical practitioners are advised to exercise caution, adhere to standard manipulation guidelines, and be aware of contraindications to minimize the risk of adverse events during cupping therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Analysis on the adverse events of cupping therapy in the application]. Zhou, X., Ruan, JW., Xing, BF.[2014]

A review of adverse events (AEs) from acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping between 2000 and 2011 identified 308 AEs, with infections being the most common complication, particularly bacterial infections from skin contact at acupoint sites.

The study highlights the importance of following safety guidelines, like the Clean Needle Technique, to minimize the risk of infections during acupuncture, as previous concerns about hepatitis from reusable needles were not found in this review.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse events of acupuncture: a systematic review of case reports. Xu, S., Wang, L., Cooper, E., et al.[2022]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immediate and Delayed Effects of Cupping Therapy on Reducing Neuromuscular Fatigue. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Significant and sustaining elevation of blood oxygen induced by Chinese cupping therapy as assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of myofascial trigger point dry cupping on pain and function in patients with plantar heel pain: A randomized controlled trial. [2020]

4. Tunisia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of dry cupping therapy and creatine supplementation on inflammatory and cardiovascular responses to the Wingate test in handball players. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dry cupping for musculoskeletal pain and range of motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

6. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Analysis on the adverse events of cupping therapy in the application]. [2014]

7. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A model to standardize safety and quality of care for cupping therapy. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse events of acupuncture: a systematic review of case reports. [2022]

9. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiac effects of cupping: myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure in the rat heart. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Elastographic Ultrasound to Assess the Effect of Cupping Size of Cupping Therapy on Stiffness of Triceps Muscle. [2021]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot study analyzing the effects of Chinese cupping as an adjunct treatment for patients with subacute low back pain on relieving pain, improving range of motion, and improving function. [2019]