Course Title
Sports Cupping Technique for Performance and Recovery

Course Duration
6 Hours, 6 CEUs

Course Description
This 6 hour course prepares licensed massage therapists to safely apply sports cupping within clinical and athletic settings. The course integrates fascial physiology, circulatory effects, contraindications, client positioning, and movement-based cupping applications. Emphasis is placed on assessment, pressure control, tissue response interpretation, and performance-focused treatment planning.

Course Objectives

By the end of this 6 hour course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the physiological mechanisms of sports cupping, including negative pressure effects on fascia, circulation, and neuromuscular response.

2. Differentiate between static cupping, dynamic cupping, and movement-based cupping applications.

3. Identify absolute and relative contraindications, including anticoagulant use, skin integrity compromise, uncontrolled hypertension, acute inflammation, and vascular disorders.

4. Conduct a focused musculoskeletal assessment to determine appropriate treatment regions for athletic performance and recovery.

5. Demonstrate safe cup selection, placement, suction intensity control, and duration guidelines.

6. Apply appropriate client positioning for sports cupping, including:
   • Prone positioning for posterior chain and lower extremity work
   • Supine positioning for anterior hip flexors and quadriceps
   • Side lying positioning for lateral hip and shoulder structures
   • Seated positioning for cervical and upper trapezius applications

7. Perform dynamic cupping techniques that integrate glide patterns along muscle fibers and fascial planes.

8. Integrate cupping with active and passive range of motion techniques to enhance mobility and tissue elasticity.

9. Interpret normal skin responses, including erythema and temporary cup marks, and distinguish expected outcomes from adverse reactions.

10. Develop a structured sports recovery session plan that incorporates warm up, cupping application, manual integration, and post session recommendations.

11. Provide clear client education regarding hydration, expected tissue response, post treatment soreness, and return to activity guidelines.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants will demonstrate competency in assessment, safe application, positioning, and integration of sports cupping techniques. Participants will apply performance based treatment strategies that support mobility, recovery, and tissue resilience while maintaining professional standards and scope of practice.