If you’re experiencing the pain associated with plantar fasciitis using Cupping Therapy is a great way to relieve the pain and get you on the path to eliminating the pain once and for all.
How to place therapy cups correctly for plantar fasciitis
So the plantar fascia muscle runs along the inside part of your heal and cupping helps pull the band of tissue away from the bottom of your foot providing instant pain relief.
Feel around the bottom of your foot and place the cup on a part that is painful and tender. Place the cup and give 1-3 pumps. The pump will act as a vaccum pulling the fascia away from your foot. This is where you will feel the pain subside greatly.
As you can see the when you press the trigger of the cupping gun it will raise the plantar fascia tissue creating a bubble or bump in the skin.
I usually leave the cup in place for around 5-7 minutes. You can do this several times a day and it really does help in reducing the pain. I have used this technique for about 2 weeks twice a day and can now walk long distances comfortably without any issues.
If you need a Cupping set they are available on Amazon for under $30. Click here to check them out. The one I use was purchased for $27 and did the trick.
Here is a video that explains how the cupping helps treat plantar fasciitis pain
I typically use a TENS unit prior to cupping as it helps relieve pain and assist in reducing inflammation. TENS units are a great way to get pain relief without having to resort to medications, Check out my article on How to use a TENS unit to treat Plantar Fasciitis here.
Want to know where a TENS unit can be placed? Check out my TENS placement guide here.
Below are a few common TENS electrode pad placements:
Does Cupping Really Work?
It definitely helped for my plantar fasciitis but you do not have to take my word for it. Here is the Journal of Physical Therapy Science weighing in on the question:
You can read the full study here
After my cupping treatment I like to use a frozen water bottle and roll the plantar fascia tissue. The ice will numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Using a TENS unit, frozen water bottle along with cupping makes a huge difference and gets my back on my feet without having to resort to pain medications.
Bottom line is that Cupping combined with a TENS unit and rolling a water bottle has significantly decreased the pain in my plantar fascia and has gotten me enjoying long walks again. Give it a try, its easy and an inexpensive way to treat this painful condition.
