Deep tissue massage is one of the most popular recovery treatments we offer at P1. It helps reduce tension, ease back pain, and improve range of motion. But when you combine it with cupping therapy, recovery reaches a whole new level.
Ask anyone in our community—athlete or not—and they’ll tell you: cupping with massage feels like one complete treatment.
Why? Because they work in similar ways, but from different angles. Both target the muscles, joints, and fascia; but where massage compresses, cupping lifts.
Maybe you are wondering if it hurts, or how cupping actually fits into a massage session. In this post, we’ll break down how the combo works, explore the extra benefits, and show you why it deserves a spot in your muscle recovery routine.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a recovery technique that uses suction to lift your skin and the layers underneath it. It’s that simple: That gentle lift helps increase blood flow, opens up tight tissue, and gets your body’s natural healing process going.
If you read our previous article about cupping, you already know how it works: the therapist places a cup on a specific area, the cup creates suction, we leave it there for a few minutes, and then take it off.
After that, the area should feel looser, more relaxed and yes, you’ll probably have a small circular mark. Those cupping therapy marks don’t hurt and usually fade away in just a few days.
Cups can be made of silicone, plastic, or glass. On our cupping therapy sessions here at P1, we use cups with a pump to create suction. But there are other types that also use heat to achieve the same effect.
There are a few different cupping therapy techniques, but the goal is always the same: release tension, improve circulation, and help your muscles recover. That’s why it’s so popular with athletes at every level.
Here are the three main cupping techniques:
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Dry Cupping: The most common. The cup stays in one spot for a few minutes to target tension.
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Wet Cupping: This involves tiny incisions to draw blood. Not for everyone, but completely safe when done properly.
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Gliding Cupping: This is where the therapist moves the cup across the skin to cover more area.
Let’s take a closer look at this last technique.
What is Glidding Massage Cupping Therapy
Gliding massage cupping is a bit like combining cupping with massage. The therapist applies oil to the skin, then gently glides the cup across the surface.
It’s smooth, relaxing, and very effective.
This technique helps loosen the entire muscle or area, not just one spot. That’s the main difference from static dry cupping, which usually targets specific knots or trigger points.
Both dry cupping and gliding cupping can be combined with deep tissue massage. So let’s break down how the session works and how to get the full benefits package.
How Cupping & Massage Work Together
Massages help reduce pain, improve circulation, and release tension. They are a classic go-to for muscle recovery. After all, who doesn’t feel better after a good, relaxing massage?
But when it comes to sports medicine and recovery, athletes want to get the most out of every session. One of their favorite recovery hacks? Deep tissue massage combined with cupping therapy.
Here’s a simple way to explain why it works: both techniques target muscle and fascia, but they do it in opposite ways.
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Deep tissue massage uses compression. The therapist’s hands press into the tissue to release tightness and break up adhesions.
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Cupping therapy uses decompression. The suction pulls the tissue upward, creating space and stimulating blood flow from the opposite direction.
So while one pushes in and the other lifts up, they both help loosen muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain. That’s why they are such a powerful combo.
How does a combined session work? At P1, we usually start with deep tissue massage to warm up the area and release deeper restrictions. This hands-on work gets right into the layers of tension. When needed, we also use IASTM tools to enhance the release.
Then comes the cupping. We apply the cups to the treatment area—whether it’s your back, shoulders, or neck. You stay relaxed while the suction helps deliver a nice, targeted myofascial release.
By the end of the session, you’ll feel looser, more mobile, and ready to move at full range again.
The Benefits of Cupping with Massage
One of the best things about combining cupping with massage is that it’s a low-effort, high-reward treatment. This compress–decompress combo boosts the benefits each therapy would have on its own.
The first big benefit is that it boosts circulation. That means more oxygen to your muscles, and faster recovery after training or injury.
Here’s what happens: both cupping and massage help clear out toxins by moving lymph fluid through your system. It’s basically like cleaning out the area, reducing swelling and giving your immune system a little help.
Another benefit athletes often notice right after a session is how their mobility and flexibility increase. You get this combo on your back, and your core rotation can honestly surprise you. Releasing restricted muscles and joints at the same time brings them back to full stretch potential.
There’s still a lot to learn about the long-term benefits of this combo, but early research shows real promise. Some studies show that cupping massage helps reduce pain and improve movement in people with chronic neck pain.
What’s clear is that cupping massage offers strong potential as an alternative to meds or needles. And that’s something athletes, gym-goers, and even those less physically active can all appreciate.
Who Should Try Cupping with Massage?
As you can see, cupping with massage is a great recovery option for a wide range of people. It’s a smart choice for athletes recovering from a sports injury, and it’s just as helpful for anyone dealing with chronic pain or ongoing muscle tightness.
Here’s where this combo can really make a difference:
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Sports injury recovery, especially for reducing muscle tension and improving circulation
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Muscle stiffness and tightness
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Neck and shoulder pain or tension
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Lower back pain
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Tension headaches and migraines related to muscle tightness
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Osteoarthritis-related discomfort, by relieving tension around the joints
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Post-surgery treatment for scar tissue
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Respiratory issues like asthma and chest congestion
That said, there are some situations where cupping therapy isn’t recommended. People with blood disorders, cardiovascular conditions, skin infections, open wounds, or thrombosis should avoid it. It’s also not advised during pregnancy.
As with any recovery or wellness treatment, it’s always best to check with your doctor first.
For most people, though, cupping with massage is safe, effective, and helpful. Whether you are looking to recover faster or just move better with less pain, this combined muscle recovery treatment could be exactly what your body needs.
Experience Cupping Therapy at P1 Athlete
Cupping with massage is one of the smartest recovery combos out there. It’s safe, effective, and feels really good—especially when your body needs to bounce back fast.
From reducing pain to boosting mobility, this treatment helps athletes and anyone looking to speed up recovery. Our team of experienced physical therapists is here to assess your needs—whether you are chasing peak performance or simply want to improve your quality of life.
So, ready to get rid of muscle tension or chronic discomfort for good?
Book your cupping massage session at P1 today! Experience what full recovery really feels like at Utah’s top training and wellness center. We have got an amazing community waiting, and the best PT team to help you every step of the way.