Cupping Therapy in San Diego
Cupping is a soft tissue technique we use at ELATE in North Park, San Diego, as part of a sports myofascial session. It uses gentle suction applied to the skin to temporarily increase local circulation in the area and reduce the sensation of tightness around muscles that get loaded in training.
What to expect
Cups are placed on the skin, and sometimes moved across it, for a few minutes at a time. Cupping can leave temporary circular marks that fade over several days. The marks are a normal response to the suction — they are not a measure of how “bad” or restricted the tissue is, and their color does not tell us anything about your injury.
Cupping is rarely the whole session on its own. We then pair it with movement recommendations that support your training and recovery.
What You May Feel During and After a Session
Most patients feel a pulling or suction sensation while the cups are in place, similar to a firm pinch that eases within a few seconds. Some areas feel more sensitive than others, and we adjust pressure and placement based on your feedback. Afterward, the treated area may feel warm or slightly tender for a day or two, similar to how a muscle feels after a workout. This is a normal, temporary response to suction.
Aftercare
After a cupping session, we recommend staying hydrated, easing back into hard training rather than going straight into a max-effort session, and giving the marks time to fade naturally over several days. If an area feels unusually sore or doesn’t settle within a few days, mention it at your next visit.
Cupping FAQs
Does cupping hurt?
Cupping creates a suction sensation, not a painful one for most patients. You can tell us to adjust the pressure at any point during your session.
How long do the marks last?
The circular marks cupping can leave typically fade over several days to about a week. The color and how long they last varies by person and does not indicate anything about your injury or tissue health.
How often should I get cupping?
This depends on your training schedule and what you’re working on with Dr. Ashley Aguero, DC. Some patients add it to a session every week or two during a heavy training block; others use it less often. We’ll talk through what makes sense for you at your visit.
Is cupping right for me?
Cupping is one tool we use for training-related tightness in the shoulders, hips, and legs. If you’re new to ELATE or managing a specific injury, we recommend starting with a New Patient Visit so we can assess it and build a plan that fits.
Who it helps
Lifters, runners, CrossFitters, and active adults in North Park, South Park, and University Heights carrying training-related tightness in the shoulders, hips, or legs, or recovering between hard sessions. If you are new or managing a specific injury, start with the New Patient Visit so we can assess it first.
Book in North Park, San Diego
Cupping is included in a 60-minute Sports Myofascial Therapy session ($190) at 3055 University Ave, North Park, San Diego. Booking is online through JaneApp. Cash-based; HSA and FSA accepted. Call (619) 983-3031 with questions.