How to Perform Cupping Techniques to Soothe Knee and Thigh Pain
Understanding Knee Pain
Knee pain can come from many different causes and often spreads around the joint, making it hard to know exactly what's wrong. Younger people might feel pain below the knee from a condition called Osgood-Schlatter's disease (a bump below the knee where a tendon attaches). Active adults often feel a dull ache around the kneecap due to patellofemoral issues (pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap), and older adults might have pain from osteoarthritis (a type of arthritis that happens when the tissue at the ends of bones wears down). Cupping can help with these problems and many other knee-related issues. While you can place cups directly over the knee, it's sometimes better to cup the front of the thigh to reduce muscle tightness and sensitivity in both the thigh and knee. You can also target specific tender spots on the thigh that are related to knee pain. Most knee treatment plans include exercises that the person does at home, but many people still see practitioners (doctors or therapists) for extra help and relief during flare-ups (when the pain gets worse suddenly). Adding cupping to these sessions can be very helpful.
Figure Knee.1 Passive knee techinuq with one cup either side of the knee
Around the knee cups are placed as well the lower thigh with supine heel sides for knee inflection.
Getting Ready to Cup
To start cupping, have the person sit on a chair or treatment table with their knee and thigh easy to reach. Make sure you have your cupping equipment ready and the area is clean.
Techniques to Soothe Knee Pain
Simple Knee Cupping for Quick Relief
This simple technique is great for people who need relief from knee pain but aren't ready for more active methods. Place a cup on each side of the knee and move them together. People often say it feels supportive around the joint when using active cupping techniques. You can also try placing cups around the knee and lower thigh and have the person do gentle heel slides while lying on their back (non-weight-bearing). For a more active technique, place the cups as before and have the person perform a weight-bearing lunge while sliding a disc under their foot.
Active Cupping for Knee Movement
Combining cupping with non-weight-bearing knee bends, squats, or lunges allows traditional cupping to fit into a more movement-based treatment. These techniques encourage the person to move their knee. The new sensation from the vacuum changes as the skin stretches, which can feel therapeutic (healing) and help promote movement.
Soothing the Thigh with Cupping
Gliding Cupping Techniques for Knee Relief
A vigorous (strong) massage over the lateral thigh (outside part of the thigh) or iliotibial band (ITB) (a band of tissue that runs down the outside of your thigh from your hip to your knee) can be uncomfortable. Cupping offers a more comfortable way to mobilize (move) soft tissue thanks to the vacuum's lifting effect. For a glide technique over the lateral thigh, glide down three areas: vastus lateralis (the large muscle on the side of your thigh), the ITB, and the biceps femoris (one of the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh). This approach covers the lateral leg more completely than just focusing on the ITB. If the ITB is the target for lateral leg issues, also work on the glutes (butt muscles) as this can help relieve tension. The most effective glide technique for the knee is the medial glide. Use minimal vacuum pressure (not too strong) and plenty of emollient (skin lotion or oil), as the medial knee (inside part of the knee) doesn't have much soft or fatty tissue. Start with low vacuum pressure to avoid too much skin strain, which can discourage the person from further treatment. You can always increase the vacuum pressure later if needed
Lunge Slide Disc Exercise
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