Cupping Therapy in San Diego
ELATE offers cupping therapy in North Park, San Diego, as part of Sports Myofascial Therapy. Cupping uses suction cups on the skin to temporarily increase local circulation in the superficial tissues. Athletes use it for training-related tightness in the shoulders, hips, back and legs. We pair it with movement so the change carries into your training.
What cupping is
A cup is placed on the skin and suction draws the skin and superficial tissues up into it. Some people search for this as cupping massage. At ELATE, cupping is done by a chiropractor as part of Sports Myofascial Therapy. Cupping temporarily increases local circulation in those superficial tissues. Many athletes find it helps reduce the sensation of tightness and improve short-term mobility before or between sessions.
Sports cupping: who it's for
CrossFit athletes and weightlifters with tight-feeling shoulders, upper back or hips after heavy weeks
Runners and HYROX athletes with calves, hamstrings or hips that feel stiff during a training block
Cyclists who spend long hours in one position
Desk workers whose neck and upper back feel stiff by the end of the day
What a session feels like
You'll feel a pulling sensation under each cup. It shouldn't feel sharp. Cups may stay in place, or Dr. Ashley Aguero, DC, may move them along an area or have you move while they're on. It depends on your plan. Cupping is usually combined with IASTM (scraping), Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) or an adjustment in the same visit.
About the marks
Cupping can leave round marks on the skin. They come from the suction and fade on their own, usually over several days. The marks don't tell you how tight or restricted an area is. If you have an event or photo shoot coming up, tell us and we'll plan around it. More in our article What cupping marks are and who cupping helps.
After a session
Keep moving and train as planned unless we've agreed otherwise. Some people feel mild soreness for a day. The marks fade over several days.
How we pair cupping with training
Cupping is one tool. What makes the change last is what you do next. We follow cupping with movement that suits your sport, then reinforce it with your training.
Book cupping
Cupping is part of Sports Myofascial Therapy (60 minutes, $200). It can also be part of a New Patient Visit when it fits your plan. ELATE is cash-based: book online without insurance, and use an HSA or FSA card for eligible services. We're in North Park, a short drive from Hillcrest, University Heights, Normal Heights and the College Area.
Questions we get
Where can I get cupping done in San Diego?
At ELATE Chiropractic & Sports Medicine, 3055 University Ave, Ste 125, in North Park. Book online.
Does cupping hurt?
Most people feel a strong pulling sensation, not pain. Tell us if it's too much and we'll adjust the suction.
How long do cupping marks last?
Usually several days. They fade on their own.
Is cupping the same as massage?
No. Massage presses into tissue. Cupping uses suction to draw the superficial tissues up into the cup.
Can I train after cupping?
Usually yes. We'll tell you if we want you to change anything that day.
Do I need insurance?
No. ELATE is cash-based, and you can book online without insurance.