Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice in which a glass cup is applied to the skin through pressure changes inside the cup. This is performed by briefly heating the air inside the cup with the use of a flame, then quickly applying it to the skin. As the air inside the cup cools, a suctioning effect takes place pulling the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup. Generally, several cups at a time are used and left in place for up to 20 minutes. During this process the skin will become temporarily red due to the congestion of blood flow inside. Cupping can be used to aide the treatment of back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal pains by creating long lasting relaxation of the tissues and by reducing inflammation.

Physical therapist John Iams from San Diego, California has developed this method for treatment of a wide variety of painful syndromes. In describing his method and the 35 year journey to develop the technique John writes:

"Could there be a missing piece to the puzzle of pain currently not being examined by even the most competent practitioners? The answer is a resounding, YES! Over the decades clinicians have examined and treated most components of the musculoskeletal system including techniques to release muscle, fascia, joint and neural tissues. Why not techniques to release abnormal reflexes in those tissues? Reflexes are an integral part of our complex nervous system that is hard-wired at birth. Two primal reflexes that seem to have the greatest potential for problems of pain and motion restriction are the startle reflex and withdrawal reflex. Although these and other reflexes have been gifted to us for survival, they may represent a previously unrecognized source of pain. I’ve discovered how these two reflexes can be found in virtually all musculoskeletal pain patients. I’ve termed this finding the Pain Reflex. I have described my findings as Trigger Regions, defined as an area of hypersensitivity, found when sliding one’s fingers over predictable areas. These areas have been found to fit certain patterns. It appears that once an injury occurs, healing either progresses to full resolution or not. An injury may be nothing more than sustained stress or repetitive injury accumulated over time. Evaluation of a patient begins with the One Minute Nocioceptive Exam during which the body is scanned with rather light palpation for the presence of withdrawal and startle reflexes. During this exam, finding the Pain Reflex response will be a surprise to the patient as the areas of hypersensitivity are frequently very distant from their perception of pain. Usually one side of the body is more affected than the other. Treatment involves a Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) designed to downregulate (relax) the two reflexes. Upon reexamination of the hypersensitive areas after applying the techniques, there is frequently a remarkable change in tenderness and pain. This translates into instantly improved spontaneity of range of motion and speed of motion, and the results are usually lasting”.

As John describes above, the PRRT method is remarkable when chosen with the right patient. Perhaps most importantly, it is rapid to produce results and responders are easily detected, usually within three visits.

Above, you may have read about a number of clinical techniques that are critical to treatment success at Rebound. In addition, Rebound is on a constant search for new and innovative techniques that arise around the world. For sure, this is no easy task, however to achieve our goal of world-class clinical care and service it is a must. Having these methods and the advanced clinical reasoning skills creates the “science” to produce results for our patients. While this is a critical component, it alone does not guarantee the success recipe. Through years of working in hospitals, PT and sports medicine clinics, and with patients and athletes of all ages we recognize that it is the “art” of patient care that completes the recipe for success. This includes such things as:

• Having a true passion for the work we do.
• Making every effort to “connect” with each and every patient, and their goals.
• Creating a fun and sometimes humorous environment for our staff and patients.
• Surveying our patients after just a few sessions to make sure we are on track.
• Willingness to attend our patient’s doctors visits, a sports practice, or simply recreating a scenario of every day life in which they need retraining.
• Calling or sending follow-up cards and e-mails and inviting patient questions.
• Having the ability and intent to hold patients accountable for their end of the rehab process.
• Customizing every aspect possible for all our patients.

In short, all of us have experienced customer service in which all the details were neglected and the results sub-standard. It is no different in healthcare. Our approach is different, and our patients confirm so every day.