The Muscle Aid Doc

Considering cupping therapy?

A lot of people think of this therapy as a "social media" trend because of the "cool" marks that are left behind on the body after its application.

The purpose of dry cupping therapy (or myofascial decompression) is not to simply to just leave red rings that look appealing for photos!

There are many therapeutic benefits associated with this technique, including:

- improved localised blood flow
- improved lymphatic drainage
- elevated oxygen and nutrient supply to target tissues
- pain relief
- anti-inflammatory benefits

Dry cupping is also applied frequently to help facilitate the treatment of localised (neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and migraines) and systemic (diabetes, arthritis and hypertension) diseases (see https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290117302042 for more info)

If you want to know more about dry cupping or feel it may help with any ongoing issues you currently have then feel free to reach out 👍

Note: like most therapeutic techniques, dry cupping should be complimented with other strategies e.g. strength training, mobility, nutrition, hydration, sleep etc.

Tight hips when squatting?

Pinching/nipping sensation in your hips at the bottom of a squat? 💥

Give these banded joint mobilisation (BJM) exercises a go in your warm up, in between sets or both! 👊

How do these exercises benefit mobility?

- The band creates space in the hip joint capsule by separating the femur (thigh bone) and acetabulum (hip socket)

- Increased space allows more synovial fluid (lubrication) to enter the joint to reduce friction

- Increased synovial fluid = reduced friction = increased mobility 😁

Note: these exercises compliment other strategies that improve mobility e.g. foam rolling, active stretching etc and should be used in combination with each of these techniques for optimal outcomes 👍

Visit the following article for more information on how BJM exercises improve hip joint mobility:

- Guillot, A., Kerautret, Y., Queyrel, F., Schobb, W., & Di Rienzo, F. (2019). Foam Rolling and Joint Distraction with Elastic Band Training Performed for 5-7 Weeks Respectively Improve Lower Limb Flexibility. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 18, 160-171.

therapist

Firstly, University workload has been responsible for my lack of social media activity the past while 🤯

On another note, Christmas is fast approaching and so I thought I would advertise my services for the new year!

A 1-hour treatment could make an ideal Xmas gift, especially for someone who you feel needs a relaxing start to 2022 or is carrying a ni**le that needs addressed 🎄🎁

Anyone who is interested please do not hesitate to reach out 😁