Cupping for Stroke Rehabilitation

Overseen By Scott Getsoian

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Scott Getsoian

Must not be taking: Anticoagulants, Baclofen, Botox, others

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Pregnancy, Hypertension, others

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

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 months

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of dry static cupping (a form of vacuum therapy) in aiding stroke recovery, particularly for individuals experiencing muscle tightness (spasticity) and weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis). Participants will receive either real cupping therapy or a placebo version, alongside their usual physical therapy. The researchers aim to determine whether cupping can improve outcomes for stroke patients. Individuals who have experienced a stroke in the past six months and are dealing with muscle tightness and weakness may be suitable candidates for this trial.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to investigate innovative recovery methods for stroke patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants who are currently using Baclofen, Botox, or any anti-spasticity medication.

What prior data suggests that dry static cupping is safe for stroke rehabilitation?

Research has shown that dry static cupping is generally safe. People often experience mild reactions, such as skin redness or slight discomfort, where the cups are placed. These effects are not serious and usually resolve on their own.

Studies have also explored cupping for stroke survivors, suggesting it might help with some post-stroke issues. Although detailed information about its use for stroke-related muscle tightness is limited, available data indicates it is well-tolerated.

Overall, dry static cupping appears to be a safe treatment option with only minor side effects reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about investigating dry static cupping for stroke rehabilitation because it offers a non-invasive, novel approach to enhancing physical recovery. Unlike traditional stroke treatments, which often involve medication or intensive physical therapy, cupping uses suction to increase blood flow and potentially stimulate healing in affected areas. This technique could complement standard therapy, providing a unique combination of traditional physical therapy and alternative medicine. While most current treatments focus on exercise and pharmacological interventions, cupping introduces a mechanical method that might accelerate recovery and improve patient outcomes.

What evidence suggests that dry static cupping is effective for stroke rehabilitation?

This trial will compare the effects of dry static cupping with a placebo form of cupping for stroke rehabilitation. Research has shown that dry static cupping might aid stroke recovery. A review of studies found that cupping could be useful, particularly in managing muscle stiffness. Another study highlighted its potential benefits for stroke recovery. Although more research is needed, these findings suggest that cupping could be a promising addition to standard stroke rehabilitation treatments. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke who experience muscle stiffness, particularly in the upper limbs. It's aimed at helping both adults and children improve their movement.

Inclusion Criteria

I can understand English or Spanish, either by reading or speaking.

I am between 30 and 80 years old.

Attending Ascension Rehabilitation of Joliet for their rehabilitation

Exclusion Criteria

I currently have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

I am currently taking Baclofen.

My diabetes is not under control.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive dry static cupping or placebo cupping along with standard physical therapy treatment

3 months

Monthly visits for assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dry Static Cupping

Trial Overview

The study is testing the effectiveness of dry static cupping therapy compared to placebo cupping and standard physical therapy in reducing muscle stiffness and enhancing function in post-stroke patients.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cupping group Active Control 2 Interventions

This group (arm) will receive the dry static cupping intervention, along with the standard physical therapy treatment.

Group II: Placebo cupping group Placebo Group 2 Interventions

This group (arm) will receive a placebo-form of cupping (low, and non-therapeutic pressure amount in the cups), along with the standard physical therapy treatment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Scott Getsoian

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Governors State University

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

60+

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]

Cupping therapy has been evaluated in five systematic reviews for various conditions, but only clear evidence supports its effectiveness in reducing pain.

Despite some indications of benefit for pain relief, the overall effectiveness of cupping remains uncertain, as the studies included in the reviews were limited in number.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is cupping an effective treatment? An overview of systematic reviews. Lee, MS., Kim, JI., Ernst, E.[2022]

In a study involving 20 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, those receiving scalp cluster acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation (SC + ES) showed greater improvements in motor and living abilities compared to those receiving only scalp cluster acupuncture (SC).

After 4 weeks of treatment, the SC + ES group had significantly higher scores on the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale and the modified Barthel Index, indicating enhanced motor function and daily living skills.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Scalp-cluster acupuncture with electrical stimulation can improve motor and living ability in convalescent patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Wang, X., Zhang, Q., Cui, B., et al.[2020]

Cupping therapy at a higher negative pressure of -300 mmHg significantly increases skin blood flow more than -225 mmHg, with peak blood flow reaching 16.7 times the baseline compared to 11.1 times for the lower pressure.

Shorter cupping durations of 5 minutes result in greater skin blood flow responses than longer durations of 10 minutes, indicating that both pressure and duration are important factors in optimizing cupping therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Pressures and Durations of Cupping Therapy on Skin Blood Flow Responses. Wang, X., Zhang, X., Elliott, J., et al.[2021]

Cupping therapy shows potential as a non-pharmacological treatment for various pain-related conditions, including chronic pain, knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, neck pain, and herpes zoster, based on 14 meta-analyses.

However, the overall quality of evidence is low to moderate, with no high-quality studies confirming its efficacy, indicating that while cupping may be safe and effective, more rigorous research is needed to establish its benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of cupping therapy on pain outcomes: an evidence-mapping study. Wang, L., Cai, Z., Li, X., et al.[2023]

This systematic review analyzed 5 studies, including 3 randomized clinical trials, and found some evidence suggesting cupping may be beneficial for specific stroke rehabilitation outcomes, such as hemiplegic shoulder pain and upper-limb strength.

However, the overall evidence is limited and inconclusive, as many studies lacked robust comparisons and methodological rigor, indicating a need for more well-designed trials to better assess cupping's effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cupping for stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review. Lee, MS., Choi, TY., Shin, BC., et al.[2018]

In a study of 60 stroke patients, pricking combined with cupping therapy showed significantly better improvement in elbow joint activity and spasticity compared to western medication (baclofen) after 4 weeks of treatment.

The comprehensive treatment group had a total effective rate of 83.3%, compared to 60.0% in the western medication group, indicating that the combination of traditional therapies and rehabilitation may be more effective for reducing muscle spasticity and improving motor function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Effects of pricking and cupping combined with rehabilitation training on elbow flexion spasticity of upper limb after stroke and its IEMG value]. Huang, Z., Zhao, N., Su, Z., et al.[2018]

Wet cupping shows promising efficacy for treating musculoskeletal pain conditions, particularly nonspecific low back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and brachialgia, based on a systematic review of 14 randomized clinical trials.

While 9 of the trials indicated benefits of wet cupping over control interventions, the overall quality of the studies varied, highlighting the need for better-designed trials to confirm these findings and guide healthcare policies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of Wet Cupping Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. Al Bedah, AM., Khalil, MK., Posadzki, P., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 550 clinical studies on cupping therapy, including 73 randomized controlled trials, suggests that cupping may be beneficial for treating pain conditions, herpes zoster, and respiratory issues, although the overall quality of the trials was generally poor.

No serious adverse effects were reported in the studies, indicating that cupping therapy is relatively safe, but more rigorously designed trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and support its use in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical research evidence of cupping therapy in China: a systematic literature review. Cao, H., Han, M., Li, X., et al.[2022]

In a study of 60 stroke patients with upper limb spasticity, combining blood-letting and cupping therapy with standard treatment significantly improved spasm scores and motor function compared to standard treatment alone.

The total effective rate for the combined therapy group was 90.0%, compared to 76.7% for the control group, indicating that the addition of these therapies enhances recovery outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Blood-letting and cupping therapy for upper limb spasticity in recovery phase of stroke]. Xi, M., Zhou, G., Luo, M., et al.[2019]

Citations

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clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06653855

The Effect of Cupping on Spasticity and Function ...

However, a recent systematic review found cupping to be beneficial for rehabilitation after stroke. These conclusions raise the question of a possible mechanism ...

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jkom.org

jkom.org/journal/view.php?number=5058

The effectiveness and safety of cupping therapy for stroke ...

This study demonstrated the potential of CT to be beneficial in managing a variety of complications in stroke survivors.

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pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20435319/

Cupping for stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence for and against the effectiveness of cupping for stroke rehabilitation.

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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 quasi-experimental crossover study aimed to examine the acute effects of dry cupping therapy (DCT) and neuromuscular electrical ...

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cell.com

cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)07831-3

Wet cupping with rehabilitation training for upper-limb ...

This study systematically investigates the efficacy and safety of wet cupping with rehabilitation training on stroke patients with upper-limb spasticity.

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ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538253/

Cupping Therapy - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH

Cupping therapy is generally considered a safe procedure, with occasional reports of mild-to-moderate adverse reactions. These potential ...

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researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/368759069_The_Medical_Perspective_of_Dry_Cupping_and_Wet_Cupping_Effects_and_mechanisms_of_action_The_Medical_Perspective_of_Dry_Cupping_and_Wet_Cupping

(PDF) The Medical Perspective of Dry Cupping and Wet ...

The side effects caused by cupping are not severe, only cause discomfort due to cupped and incision on the skin. Cupping plays a role in ...