How Cupping Therapy Can Enhance Recovery After Long Runs
Ancient Technique, Modern Benefits for Endurance Runners
As a runner, recovery is just as important as training. Pushing your body to its limits during long runs requires intentional strategies to help muscles repair, reduce soreness, and prepare for the next session. One increasingly popular recovery method among endurance athletes is cupping therapy—an ancient practice with scientifically backed benefits for modern runners.
At Invictus Smart Performance, we incorporate cupping therapy as part of our holistic approach to recovery and performance optimization. Here’s how this technique can help you recover smarter and keep hitting your goals.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy involves the use of specialized cups placed on the skin to create suction. This suction lifts the skin and underlying tissues, increasing blood flow and encouraging the release of tension in the muscles.
There are two main types of cupping:
Dry Cupping: Uses suction only.
Wet Cupping: Involves suction and a minor incision to release toxins (not commonly used in sports therapy).
At ISP, we focus on dry cupping, which is non-invasive and highly effective for muscle recovery.
How Cupping Therapy Works
Cupping stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by:
Increasing Circulation: The suction promotes blood flow to the targeted area, delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for recovery.
Releasing Fascial Restrictions: Cupping lifts and separates the layers of muscle and fascia, improving mobility and reducing tightness.
Reducing Inflammation: By flushing out metabolic waste, cupping helps reduce swelling and soreness after intense runs.
Stimulating the Nervous System: Cupping can calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy for Runners
For endurance runners, cupping therapy offers several key advantages:
1. Faster Recovery
Long runs can leave your muscles tight, sore, and fatigued. Cupping accelerates recovery by improving circulation and reducing inflammation, helping you bounce back faster.
2. Reduced Muscle Soreness
Post-run soreness can disrupt your training plan. Cupping alleviates muscle tension and promotes the removal of lactic acid, easing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
3. Improved Mobility
Tight muscles and fascia can limit your stride and efficiency. Cupping therapy restores mobility, allowing for a smoother, more powerful running gait.
4. Injury Prevention
By addressing muscle imbalances and tightness, cupping helps prevent overuse injuries like IT band syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
5. Relaxation and Stress Relief
Cupping isn’t just about physical recovery—it also provides a calming effect, helping runners manage the mental demands of training.
What to Expect During a Cupping Session
At Invictus Smart Performance, your cupping session begins with a personalized assessment of your needs and areas of tension. Here’s what you can expect:
Cup Placement: Cups are placed on areas of tightness or soreness, such as the calves, hamstrings, or lower back.
Suction: The cups create gentle suction, which may cause a pulling sensation but shouldn’t be painful.
Session Length: Cups are typically left in place for 5–15 minutes, depending on your needs.
Aftereffects: You may notice temporary circular marks on your skin (commonly called "cupping marks"). These are not bruises and typically fade within a few days.
Most runners feel immediate relief after a session and report improved mobility and reduced soreness.
The Science Behind Cupping Therapy
Research supports the benefits of cupping therapy for athletes:
A 2018 study found that cupping therapy can reduce muscle soreness and improve flexibility, making it a valuable tool for post-exercise recovery.
Another study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies highlighted cupping’s ability to improve blood flow and decrease muscle tension.
These findings explain why elite athletes, from runners to Olympians, are incorporating cupping into their recovery routines.
Cupping Therapy at Invictus Smart Performance
At Invictus Smart Performance, we integrate cupping therapy into personalized recovery plans designed specifically for runners. Whether you’ve just completed a marathon or are preparing for your next big race, cupping can help you recover smarter, train harder, and perform at your peak.
Ready to Enhance Your Recovery?
Don’t let soreness or tightness slow you down. With cupping therapy, you can recover faster, prevent injuries, and stay on track to achieve your running goals.
Contact Us Today to Book a Session
Let’s make every mile stronger and every recovery smarter.
