Cupping therapy in Toronto
Suction cups that lift the skin and soft tissue, held in place, or moved while you move.
Overview
Silicone cups create gentle suction that lifts the skin and underlying tissue. In static cupping the cups stay in place; in dynamic cupping they are glided over the area, or left on while you move through a range of motion.
It is used to ease muscle tension and help movement feel freer, as one part of a wider exercise-based plan.
What is cupping?
Silicone cups create gentle suction that lifts the skin and fascia. Static cupping holds the cups in place; dynamic cupping glides them across the skin or keeps them on while you move the area.
How does cupping work?
Lifting the tissue provides a different sensory input to pressing on it. Many people feel less tightness afterwards and move more freely. It is one way to change how an area feels, so that movement and exercise are more comfortable.
How I use cupping in treatment
Cupping is a supporting tool. I use it where it helps you move better in the same session, and pair it with exercise.
What happens in a session?
Cups are placed for a few minutes, or moved over the area with lotion, sometimes while you perform a movement. The sensation is a firm pulling rather than pain.
Who can cupping help?
Muscle tightness in the back, shoulders, hips and legs, and recovery around training.
Is cupping safe, and what should I expect afterwards?
Cupping can leave round, darker marks on the skin for several days. They are from the suction and fade on their own. It is not used over broken or fragile skin, varicose veins, a recent blood clot, skin conditions, or the abdomen and lower back in pregnancy, and I will ask about blood thinners and bleeding problems first.
Every plan starts with a full assessment, so the treatment fits what is actually driving your problem. Static and dynamic silicone cupping is one tool within that plan, not the whole plan.
Related programs of care
Where I practise
- Athlete's Care Yonge & Eglinton: Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Push Pounds Downtown Toronto: Tue/Thu, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Runner's Academy St. Clair West: Mon/Wed/Fri, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Country Lane Home office & virtual: Sat, By appointment only
Booking for a specific treatment? Mention it when you book so we can confirm which location suits it.
Before you book
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario?
No. In Ontario you can book directly with a registered physiotherapist, no referral needed. Some extended health plans, and motor vehicle or workplace injury claims, have their own requirements, so it is worth checking your plan before your first visit.
Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
OHIP only covers physiotherapy for certain eligible groups at OHIP-funded clinics. Appointments with me are private, not billed to OHIP. Most extended health benefit plans cover registered physiotherapy, and you receive a receipt after every visit to submit to your plan.
Can my appointment be billed directly to my insurance?
Direct billing depends on the clinic and on your insurer. Ask when you book and the clinic will confirm whether they can bill your plan directly.
Other physiotherapy services
- Exercise therapy and strength rehabilitation
- Contemporary medical acupuncture and electroacupuncture
- Dry needling
- Joint mobilisation and spinal manipulation
- Trigger point and soft tissue release
- IASTM soft tissue release
- Shockwave therapy
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
- Movement and running gait assessment
- Virtual and in-home physiotherapy
Book an appointment
Start with a proper assessment
A full history, a physical examination and a written plan you leave with. Book online at the clinic nearest you, send me a message, or call me directly.