Sarah Strong "cupping" marks on right shoulder

[Gael]

In today's game against UTSA, I noticed for the first time that Sarah had three or four reddish circles around her right shoulder, which look like cupping marks.

If Sarah is cupping, does that necessarily signify that she has some sort of soreness or tightness in her shoulder muscles or fascia—or do basketball players cup as just some sort of preventive routine? Whatever the reason, it certainly didn't seem to affect her lightning quick arm movements on defense, her shooting, or her Velcro hands.

 

[fomalhaut]

Kits were sold in the 19th century which allowed both cupping and bloodletting:

Cupping

 

[Blond D.]

Cupping is right up there with acupuncture and other ancient medicines. Its to help blood flow to tired muscles, get rid of tightness, stuff like that. A lot of doctors dismiss it but some say it works.
Back in my day we had Ben-Gay...love that smell.

 

[husky98]

In today's game against UTSA, I noticed for the first time that Sarah had three or four reddish circles around her right shoulder, which look like cupping marks.

If Sarah is cupping, does that necessarily signify that she has some sort of soreness or tightness in her shoulder muscles or fascia—or do basketball players cup as just some sort of preventive routine? Whatever the reason, it certainly didn't seem to affect her lightning quick arm movements on defense, her shooting, or her Velcro hands.

It’s not for any specific injury they do it as part of regular maintenance and recovery just like a massage. She’s fine!

 

[Bone Dog]

It is probably as effective as kinesio tape

 

[Halloween]

Cupping is right up there with acupuncture and other ancient medicines. Its to help blood flow to tired muscles, get rid of tightness, stuff like that. A lot of doctors dismiss it but some say it works.
Back in my day we had Ben-Gay...love that smell.

Your Ben-gay comment brought back memories. I remember using similar rub called a-balm back in height school. Still remember the smell.

 

[jaundicedeye]

It is probably as effective as kinesio tape

Different functions. Kinesio tape serves a supportive function. Cupping is intended to facilitate/localize blood flow to promote healing and recovery.

 

[HopJim]

It’s not for any specific injury they do it as part of regular maintenance and recovery just like a massage. She’s fine!

Regular maintenance? I find it hard to believe it is just being used as a random PT practice. Have had it for various injuries for several years and its always to help with specific issues.

 

[Zanzman]

Your Ben-gay comment brought back memories. I remember using similar rub called a-balm back in height school. Still remember the smell.

I should have gone to height school also😂😂😂🤣

 

[FanSince17]

Your Ben-gay comment brought back memories. I remember using similar rub called a-balm back in height school. Still remember the smell.

It was called Atomic Balm

 

[msf22b]

My wife recognized it immediately
Typical in Chinese medicine

 

[Golden Husky]

It worked for Michael Phelps.

 

[maple]

Regular maintenance? I find it hard to believe it is just being used as a random PT practice. Have had it for various injuries for several years and its always to help with specific issues.

Every time I get a massage I get the cupping add on. I don’t have any upper body injuries. But I do find it super relaxing. It doesn’t mean anything either way.

 

[NW-MW]

I think more than actual injury it could be more neck/shoulder tension from being a student athlete, I know I carry my stress there and I'm just a student currently.

 

[SVCBeercats]

It is probably as effective as kinesio tape

Sometimes I think athletic trainers practice their own form of Voodoo.

 

[SVCBeercats]

It worked for Michael Phelps.

Without it he may have won more medals. Placebo!

 

[Scud49]

Your Ben-gay comment brought back memories. I remember using similar rub called a-balm back in height school. Still remember the smell.

If I remember right, it had a helluva good burn to it - you forgot all about acheing muscles...!