Effects of Cupping Therapy in Amateur and Professional Athletes: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

No explicit recommendation for or against the use of cupping for athletes can be made. More studies are necessary for conclusive judgment on the efficacy and safety of cupping in athletes.

Clinical Experts Statement: The Definition, Prescription, and Application of Cupping Therapy

“…Ultimately, 31 sources were utilized in the creation of the literature review. [1][2][3][4][5] Upon completion of the review of literature, a panel of 10 athletic trainers who held a postprofessional credential in cupping therapy were invited to participate in a series of online surveys and forums. Demographic information for the panel of experts can be found in Table 1.…”

“…Cupping therapy is an ancient modality the use of which has been documented as early as 3300 BC. 1 In the past two decades, dry cupping therapy has grown in popularity in the United States and other countries where Western Medicine is the primary source of healthcare. 1 A large amount of this popularity can be attributed to increased media interest resulting from elite level athletes receiving cupping therapy.…”

“…1 In the past two decades, dry cupping therapy has grown in popularity in the United States and other countries where Western Medicine is the primary source of healthcare. 1 A large amount of this popularity can be attributed to increased media interest resulting from elite level athletes receiving cupping therapy. 2,3 Even though cupping therapy has gained popularity as a treatment device in the United States, there is still no consensus on the ideal parameters for applying a cupping therapy treatment to patients competing in amateur or professional athletics.…”

“…2,3 Even though cupping therapy has gained popularity as a treatment device in the United States, there is still no consensus on the ideal parameters for applying a cupping therapy treatment to patients competing in amateur or professional athletics. 1 The lack of consensus related to this medical issue can be attributed at least in part to a lack of high quality studies, lack of randomized controlled trials involving subjects participating in organized athletics, and a lack of standardized methodology. 1,4,5 Within the medical and healthcare field, various methods of creating consensus statements on best practices are commonly used and accepted.…”

“…1 The lack of consensus related to this medical issue can be attributed at least in part to a lack of high quality studies, lack of randomized controlled trials involving subjects participating in organized athletics, and a lack of standardized methodology. 1,4,5 Within the medical and healthcare field, various methods of creating consensus statements on best practices are commonly used and accepted. [6][7][8][9] These techniques have been used to publish consensus statements in areas including respiratory, urologic, and geriatric medicine.…”