Dry Cupping for Recovery From Muscle Damage

This study compares the effect of dry cupping to placebo cupping after muscle-damaging exercise on recovery of muscle strength, muscle swelling, and muscle soreness.

Dry cupping is a technique where cups are placed on the skin and a suction device is used to remove air from the cups. This study aims to investigate whether dry cupping therapy can enhance muscle recovery following exercise by measuring muscle soreness, swelling, and strength in the biceps. Six sets of biceps curls (emphasizing concentric and eccentric overload) will be performed on each arm, followed by dry cupping with suction applied to one arm (experimental) and dry cupping without suction (placebo) applied to the opposite arm. Experimental and placebo arms for each participant will be randomized. Before exercise and immediately, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after exercise, muscle strength, muscle swelling (ultrasound), and muscle soreness (visual analog scale) will be assessed.