Relatively unknown to most people living in the West until recently, cupping therapy is an alternative therapeutic method that has been popular in China since around 1000 B.C. Some records show that variations of cupping practices might actually be much older — possibly dating as far back as 3000 B.C.
And for good reason. Cupping therapy has a host of health benefits that can often outweigh modern medicine techniques. Cupping therapy is also the #1 treatment for plantar fasciitis.
One of the biggest advantages to trying alternative practices like cupping therapy, acupuncture or massage therapy is that these methods don’t pose the risk for unwanted side effects like pharmacological drugs or surgery do. In fact, there’s really no downside to trying alternative practices like cupping, since studies show they can help boost immune function and speed up healing time without the use of any medications or even herbs.
What is Dry Needling? Dry Needling treats both chronic and acute pain situations. Sometimes muscles will go into miniature spasms called trigger points. Because they are smaller than full muscle spasms you may not know you have them unless you specifically press on the point. The nerves that are wrapped up in this miniature spasm can send pain signals to other parts of the body. For example a trigger point in the upper shoulder can send pain down the arm. Dry Needling allows us to "discharge" the electrical impulse sent by the nerve by gently placing a very small needle into the trigger point itself. This allows the nerve to calm down and for the trigger point to relax. This results in a reduction of your pain, better movement in the affected muscles, and a much better enjoyment and quality of your life.