9 Weeks Post Op FAI Open Surgery

Saturday was 9 weeks since my open surgery operation. I had another physio appt on Friday and had more deep tissue massage done and instead of accupuncture my physio did Chinese "Cupping";

Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.

Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the 'Meridians' of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening those meridians.

Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available. Cupping, the technique, is very useful and very safe and can be easily learned and incorporated into your family health practices.

Now plastic cups based on the traditional cups by applying the traditional cupping therapy together with the magnetic therapy. The new cups have done away with the traditional firing. This has made the application of the cups more easily and safely. It has a good penetrating effect and a big drawing strength. It has not only improved efficacy but also simplified the procedures of cupping therapy.

Above - Modern Cupping Cups which I had on me (couldn't take a photo of myself so this is an example!)

The improved plastic cups for ancient Chinese cupping therapy are now available for supply. They are easier to be handled and safer to be used for self-treatment at home. In China, the new cups are very popular for family cupping treatment.

Above - Traditional Cupping Cups.

I had cups placed on my lower back, bum (ouch) and the outside of my knee joint and calf. They were left on for around 10mins and though painfull when the cups are first applied after about 10 seconds the pain went away and it felt quite relaxing. Slight brusing where the cups were came out over the weekend but it wasn't sore. I also had my ROM rested on my hip and managed 68Deg when bringing my knee up to my chest before things started to pinch. My glute muscles on my operated side have pretty much dissolved compared to my right side and I can now work on getting those back!

Excercises - I have been given another one which is when lying on my stomach to clench my bum and hold for a couple of seconds then release. Being carefull with this one as when you clench those muscles it also contracts round the hip joint and I can feel it in the groin area.

My next appointment is on Thursday & would quite like to have the cupping done again as I think it had a good effect on me especially bringing the bloodflow back to the muscles PLUS it doesn't invlove needles!! :)