Bond OsteopathyCupping involves placing a cup on the skin and creating a gentle suction, which lifts and mobilises the skin and the soft tissue underneath. At Bond Osteopathy in Glen Iris, myofascial cupping may be used where appropriate to support short-term comfort and movement, either with the cups held still or moved across the area, based on your presentation. It is one option among many, not a standalone treatment.
How it works
The exact mechanism is still being studied, but cupping is thought to work through the suction it creates. By gently lifting the skin and underlying tissue, it is thought to increase local blood flow to the area and to change how tight or sensitive tissue feels, which can make movement more comfortable in the short term. Some people also find the sensation itself relaxing, which may help muscle guarding settle. As with other hands-on techniques, any benefit tends to be short-term and works best alongside the active side of your plan, such as exercise rehabilitation.
What it can help with
Cupping is commonly used, where appropriate, to support comfort and movement in presentations such as:
- Neck and upper-back tightness, including some desk-related and postural pain
- Back and neck pain with a muscular component
- Shoulder and arm pain and thoracic tightness
- Muscle soreness from sports and gym injuries and running injuries
- General stiffness that is affecting how you move
Whether it is the right tool for you is decided after assessment.
What to expect
Before we start, we explain what cupping involves and what the sensations are likely to be, and we gain your consent. A cup is placed on the skin and a gentle suction is created, which you will feel as a pulling or tightness rather than pain. The cups may be left in place for a short time or moved slowly across the area, sometimes with a little oil so they glide. We check in with you throughout and adjust the strength of the suction to your comfort. Afterward we talk through what to expect, including the marks described below, and simple aftercare.
Is it right for you?
Cupping is used where appropriate as one part of a broader plan, not as a cure on its own, and it may not suit everyone. It is not painful for most people, but the marks it can leave are worth knowing about in advance, particularly if you have an event coming up. If cupping is not a good fit, we will simply use another approach.
Safety and things to know
Cupping commonly leaves temporary round marks or discolouration where the cups sat. These are not usually painful and typically fade over several days. For most people cupping is not painful, though the suction can feel firm. It may not suit everyone: we do not cup over fragile or broken skin, and it may not be appropriate for certain skin conditions or for people taking some blood-thinning medication, where marking and bruising can be more pronounced. We talk through the expected sensations and aftercare with you first, nothing is done without your consent, and you can decline at any time.
Common questions
Does it hurt? For most people, no. You will feel a firm pulling or tightness under the cup rather than pain, and we adjust the suction to keep it comfortable.
Will it leave marks? It can. Temporary round marks or discolouration are common and usually fade over several days. Let us know if you have an event coming up.
Is it safe? Yes, cupping is generally low risk when delivered by a registered practitioner who screens your suitability first and avoids it where it is not appropriate.
Is it covered by health funds? When provided by your osteopath as part of a consultation, it is generally claimable through private health extras cover. See the FAQ for details.
Written and reviewed by Dr James Beninati (Osteopath), Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy), AHPRA registered. Last reviewed September 2026. More about James.
General information, not personal health advice. Sources: Better Health Channel on muscle pain and soft-tissue care; Healthdirect Australia on managing musculoskeletal pain.