Cupping therapy is a type of alternative therapy that involves the use of suction cups on the skin to create a vacuum effect. The suction created by the cups is thought to help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle tension. Cupping therapy is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and muscle soreness.

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There are several different types of cupping therapy techniques, including stationary cupping, moving cupping, and wet cupping. In this clinical setting, the cups are made of a silicone that is flexible. When applied, it creates a lifting of the skin and can be paired with movements to improve flexibility and soft tissue extensibility. This can be extremeley useful in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders wher fascial tightness is a significant contributing factor. 

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The primary side effect that you will see with cupping is the appearance of dark "bruised" looking skin where the cup was applied. While these may look like bruises, these are different - they are called petechiae or echymosis.