Cupping for pelvic floor dysfunction
Dr. Jenn performing cat/cow movement with cupping treatment at Root To Rise in Saco, Maine
Cupping for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Ever wonder why you see people walking around with circular marks on their back or shoulders and wonder what that’s all about? That’s cupping — an ancient healing technique that’s made its way into modern wellness and physical therapy.
But how does it actually work, and how can it help your pelvic floor? Let’s break it down.
What Is Cupping?
Cupping uses suction (via silicone, glass, or plastic cups) to create negative pressure on the skin. This gentle lift draws blood, fascia, and lymph toward the surface, improving circulation and promoting healing from the inside out.
The technique can help release tight muscles, ease tension, and support recovery making it a valuable addition to many physical therapy treatments.
Cupping vs. Massage: What’s the Difference?
While massage uses compression (pressure down into the muscles using a kneading motion), cupping works through decompression, gently lifting the tissues.
Both aim to reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, and increase blood flow, they just approach it differently. Many patients find that combining the two provides even greater relief from chronic tightness.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Decreases muscle tension
Improves mobility
Increases blood flow to boost healing and recovery
Helps break up scar tissue and adhesions
Cupping and Pelvic Floor Health
Cupping isn’t just for sore shoulders or back pain — it can be a powerful tool in pelvic floor rehabilitation too.
Pelvic floor dysfunction often involves more than just the pelvic muscles themselves. Tightness, restricted fascia, and poor circulation in the hips, glutes, abdomen, and lower back can all play a role.
Here’s how cupping can help support your pelvic health:
Increases circulation and lymphatic flow to reduce inflammation and promote healing
Releases fascial restrictions around the hips, low back, and abdomen
Relieves tension in the glutes, piriformis, and other muscles connected to the pelvic floor
Encourages muscle relaxation and nervous system downregulation
Eases symptoms of pelvic pain, tightness, or postpartum recovery
Integrating Cupping Into Your Pelvic Floor Therapy Plan
Cupping can be a wonderful complement to your pelvic floor physical therapy program, creating a holistic and well-rounded treatment plan. It’s especially beneficial if you’re experiencing:
Chronic pelvic pain
Postpartum tightness or stiffness
Pain with sitting or limited hip mobility
Overactive pelvic floor muscles or pain with intimacy
Dr. Mackenzie providing cupping treatment at Root To Rise in Saco, Maine.
Cupping Therapy in Saco, Scarborough, and Bath, Maine
Here at Root To Rise, our licensed physical therapists and acupuncturists offer cupping therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, and acupuncture as part of a personalized approach to healing.
Dr. Mackenzie, one of our skilled providers, offers cupping treatments right here at Root To Rise in Saco, Maine.
We believe in addressing the whole person (not just the symptoms) and supporting your body’s natural ability to heal. Whether you’re navigating postpartum recovery, chronic pelvic pain, or simply want to restore balance in your body, we’re here for you in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine.
Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health
Offering pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture, and cupping in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Acupuncturists are specialized in treating hormone conditions and fertility support. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us in Saco, Scarborough, Bath or virtually today!