Osteopathic Therapies

Cupping Therapy, or suction cup therapy as its also known, is an ancient method that I use to help my patients manage the pain caused by various conditions including – arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis; back, neck and knee pain; carpal tunnel syndrome; headaches and migraines; and high blood pressure.

I use the dry cupping technique which means suction is applied to the skin for several minutes, this draws the skin up into the cup. I use silicone cups in my sessions.

Cupping causes fluid to be drawn to the treated area. The force of the suction causes tiny capillaries in the skin to break, as a result the body sends blood to these ‘injured’ areas stimulating its natural healing process. This healing process really helps my patients manage their pain.

Cupping leaves temporary marks on the skin which may look bruised. All marks should fade within a week or two.

I use dry needling to help alleviate muscular pain in my patients. It is a modern method of pain management that is growing in popularity. The sterilised filiform needles I use are fine, short steel needles that don’t inject fluid, hence the term ‘dry’ needling.

I use the needles to stimulate the body’s trigger points in knotted and tense muscles. The needle helps to release the knot, relieving muscle pain. The needles remain in the skin for a short period of time to ensure they have a chance to work fully. I can also activate the needles using various methods at which point the patient may feel a deep sensation which is normally a good sign of the needles working alongside some muscle twitches.

Dry needling not only provides relief from muscular pain, it can also improve flexibility by reducing muscle spasms and knotting, improving a person’s range of motion.

Mild side effects can include bruising, slight soreness, and slight bleeding, but these are all temporary. Most of my patients have none of these side-affects and find the process relaxing as their tense muscles relax and spasms are greatly reduced or disappear altogether. Dry needling is great for treating sports people and those with muscle pain including fibromyalgia.