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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether dry cupping aids muscle recovery after a tough workout. It compares two methods: one with suction and one without, to determine which best improves muscle strength, reduces swelling, and alleviates soreness. Individuals who have engaged in upper arm resistance training for at least three months and lack skin sensitivities on their biceps may qualify for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative recovery methods and contribute to advancing fitness science.

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 prior data suggests that dry cupping is safe for muscle recovery?

Research has shown that dry cupping with suction is usually well-tolerated, but there are a few considerations. Some studies report that participants experienced mild pain at the cup placement sites, which typically resolves quickly. However, excessive suction or prolonged application may cause damage under the skin.

Overall, cupping therapy has been found to alleviate muscle pain and soreness and is generally considered safe when performed correctly. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any treatment is important to ensure its suitability. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about dry cupping for muscle damage because it's a non-invasive technique that could offer a unique approach to recovery. Unlike traditional methods like physical therapy or medication, dry cupping uses suction to potentially improve blood flow and reduce inflammation directly in the affected muscles. This method might provide quicker relief and enhanced healing without the side effects associated with drugs. Additionally, the trial is exploring whether cupping with suction offers more benefits compared to cupping without suction, which could lead to new insights into optimizing this ancient practice for modern muscle rehabilitation.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for muscle damage?

This trial will compare dry cupping with suction to dry cupping without suction. Research has shown that dry cupping with suction might reduce muscle tiredness after exercise. Some studies found it can be as effective as traditional exercises for muscle recovery. However, other research suggests that dry cupping doesn't significantly improve muscle strength, soreness, or swelling. It might reduce muscle stiffness more effectively if used for longer periods and with increased pressure. Overall, results are mixed, so scientists continue to study the effectiveness of dry cupping for recovery. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8280458/

Immediate and Delayed Effects of Cupping Therapy on ...

The findings of this study demonstrate that there is a time effect of cupping therapy for reducing muscle fatigue. Cupping therapy is effective on reducing ...

2.

journals.lww.com

journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2025/08290/exploring_the_acute_recovery_effects_of_dry.36.aspx

Exploring the acute recovery effects of dry cupping therapy ...

This result suggests that the effects of NMES on muscle strength may be at least as effective as traditional exercises. Similar findings ...

3.

usurj.journals.usask.ca

usurj.journals.usask.ca/article/view/866

Effect of Post-Exercise Dry Cupping Therapy on Muscle ...

Conclusion: Dry cupping therapy applied after resistance exercise did not significantly improve recovery of strength, soreness, or swelling ...

4.

trialx.com

trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/297156/dry-cupping-for-recovery-from-muscle-damage/

Dry Cupping for Recovery From Muscle Damage

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

5.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9712727/

Effect of durations and pressures of cupping therapy on ...

The results showed that 10-min cupping at -300 mmHg is more effective on reducing stiffness of the deep layer of the triceps compared to 5-min cupping.

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6435947/

The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and ...

There is growing evidence that wet cupping is effective in musculoskeletal pain, nonspecific low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, and other ...

7.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229924000013

The effectiveness of cupping therapy on low back pain

Eleven studies were included, providing high- to moderate-quality evidence that cupping significantly improves pain and disability in LBP management.

8.

iam.biomedcentral.com

iam.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s44424-025-00018-y

Dry Cupping Therapy for Neck Pain: Monitoring for Adverse ...

Results. The developed device effectively maintained negative pressure during cupping therapy. Localized pain was reported in both groups during ...

9.

forefrontpllc.com

forefrontpllc.com/the-dangers-of-cupping-therapy/

The Dangers of Cupping Therapy

When someone applies strong suction to a sensitive area or leaves the cups on too long, it can damage underlying tissue — especially muscle or fascia that's ...