Different Types of Cupping Therapy and Ankle Range of Motion

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of different manual cupping therapy protocols on ankle range of motion, compared to sham treatments, in generally healthy adults with limited ankle range of motion (i.e., ankle dorsiflexion less than 40 degrees). Participants had their baseline ankle dorsiflexion measured with a digital inclinometer in a weight-bearing modified lunge position by a certified athletic trainer. Participants who were eligible for the study were then randomly assigned to one of 4 groups; 2 of which were intervention groups (i.e., dynamic cupping, static cupping) and 2 of which were sham treatments (i.e., static sham cupping, dynamic sham cupping). Each participant was blinded to the therapy they were randomized to and all received a total of 10 minutes of the cupping therapy (either actual or sham). In general, cupping therapy consisted of creating a negative pressure in four 2" diameter plastic cups placed on the gastrocnemius. Sham cups had small holes in them allowing air to leak out. Cups were also attached with adhesive tape to all participants to ensure blinding. Depending on the treatment received, participants either were asked to lie still in the prone position or perform ankle exercises during the 10 minutes while the cups were attached. Immediately after receiving treatment, participants had their ankle dorsiflexion measured again using the same procedure described for baseline measurement.

Inclusion criteria

• Limited ankle dorsiflexion (less than 40 degrees of weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion at baselines)
• Never received cupping therapy prior to the study
• No lower extremity injuries in the past 6 months
• No contraindications associated with cupping therapy (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, bone fracture, or sunburn/rash)
• Generally healthy

Exclusion criteria

• Ankle dorsiflexion greater than or equal to 40 degrees during weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion at baseline
• Received cupping therapy in the past
• Has a lower extremity injury or has had a lower extremity injury in the past 6 months
• Self-reported a contraindication associated with cupping therapy (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, bone fracture, or sunburn/rash).