Cupping therapy isn’t just one-size-fits-all. At The Athlete Massage, we use three strategic approaches to cupping: Static Cupping, Active Static Cupping, and Dynamic Cupping. Each method offers unique benefits, and knowing which one is right for your needs can significantly impact your recovery, performance, and mobility.
Â
Static Cupping: Still and Targeted
Static cupping involves placing cups on specific areas of the body and leaving them in place. This creates negative pressure that lifts the underlying fascia and soft tissue.
Best for:
- Trigger points and chronic knots
- Fascial restrictions
- Deep muscular decompression
- Relaxing the nervous system
Expected Outcomes:
- Local blood flow increase
- Long-term tissue decompression
- Reduction in deep muscle tension
Perfect when: you need focused attention on a stubborn area that doesn’t respond well to stretching or general massage.
Active Static Cupping: Still Cups, Moving You
Active Static Cupping is a hybrid technique where cups are placed and held stationary on the body—but the client actively moves during the session. Think arm circles with cups on the deltoids, or squats with cups on the quads.
Best for:
- Repatterning movement dysfunctions
- Improving proprioceptive feedback
- Releasing tightness that shows up only during specific motions
Expected Outcomes:
- Functional tissue release in motion
- Increased neuromuscular awareness
- Movement-specific decompression
Perfect when: you feel tight or restricted during movement patterns but not at rest, like overhead reaching or deep squatting.
⚠️ Note from the Therapist: Some practitioners refer to this technique as “dynamic cupping,” but we differentiate it as Active Static Cupping to avoid confusion. In this variation, the cups remain stationary while the client moves—a technique used by experienced therapists to target movement-specific restrictions without sliding the cups across tissue.
Dynamic Cupping: Glide and Mobilize
Dynamic cupping involves moving the cups along the surface of the skin while maintaining suction. This mobilizes fascia, enhances circulation, and helps clear metabolic waste.
Best for:
- Stiff joints and sluggish fascia
- Enhancing lymphatic flow
- Releasing superficial layers of tightness
- Warming up tissue before activity
Expected Outcomes:
- Improved range of motion
- Faster post-workout recovery
- Better tissue glide and hydration
Perfect when: you’re preparing for performance or recovering from a heavy session, and you need fluid movement through multiple muscle layers.
When to Use Each Method
Technique | Body Is… | Goals |
Static Cupping | Still | Deep release, tissue decompression |
Active Static Cupping | Moving | Movement-based relief, neuromuscular re-education |
Dynamic Cupping | Cups are moving | Mobility, lymphatic drainage, recovery flush |
At The Athlete Massage, we may combine all three in a single session depending on what your body needs in the moment.
Â
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
Cupping isn’t about trends or fancy Instagram photos. It’s about strategy. Whether you’re prepping for a meet, rehabbing a nagging injury, or trying to move through life without discomfort—knowing which cupping method works best can make or break your recovery.
We tailor every session based on what your body is asking for. Cupping is just one of the many tools we use to help you move better, recover faster, and stay in the game longer.
Want to Learn More?
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Curious how cupping fits into your overall recovery strategy? These resources can help:
đź”— Related Posts from The Athlete Massage
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn tightness, prepping for your next big event, or just want to move better—cupping can be a game changer. At The Athlete Massage, every session is customized to what your body needs, using the right techniques at the right time.
👉 Book your session with Pete Belcastro today and see how static, active static, or dynamic cupping can help you recover faster and move smarter.
đź“ž Call or Text to Book:
📱 Call Pete (727) 417-6873
đź’¬ Text Pete to Book