Phase 5 uses two forms of cupping in its practice – static cupping and myofascial decompression (MFD)**

Static cupping is the traditional form of cupping that leaves the cup in place for five minutes before moving it to a new treatment area. Benefits include the rapid facilitation of rigid soft tissue release and a loosening and lifting of connective tissue. It also focuses on breaking up and draining stagnation while increasing blood lymph flow to skin and muscles in ways not possible by compression. In addition, the pulling sensation of the cup engages the parasympathetic nervous system allowing for deep relaxation to the soft tissues of the body.

Myofascial decompression (MFD) is a novel approach to manual therapy and exercise that combines negative pressure technology (cupping) with evidence-based movement science principles in orthopedics and sports medicine. Its focus targets the efficiency of motion with fascial mobility and neuromuscular re-education. MFD is based on assessing and correcting movement inefficiencies, whereas static cupping does not involve movement. The main benefits of MFD are to increase the mobility of the soft tissues treated and to decrease adhesions and scar tissue that inhibit proper motion.

Like most medical interventions, there are risks and rewards involved in cupping and MFD.

Please consult with the professionals at Phase 5 to see if cupping or MFD is right for you.

Learn more about static cupping

Learn more about MFD

Also known as “scraping,” IASTM is a form of soft tissue mobilization incorporating a tool. The instruments preferred by Phase 5 are HawkGrips. When soft tissue such as muscle is injured, cross-linkages develop in the tissue, thus decreasing strength, reactivity, and limiting the range of motion. In addition, the use of the tool and technique detects and relieves symptoms of scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial restrictions within the soft tissue.

Learn more about IASTM

Fascial manipulation is one of the newest and most exciting manual therapy techniques offered. It is changing the way providers look at and treat injuries and dysfunction. The gold standard in fascial manipulation comes from the Stecco family, sometimes called the “First Family of Fascia.” The Stecco Fascial Manipulation method was researched and invented by Drs. Luigi Stecco, Carla Stecco, and Antonio Stecco (medical doctors in Italy). The technique has continued to evolve over the last 35 years through intense research and clinical observations. It is just now being popularized and implemented in the United States. The method involves dividing the treatment areas by body planes of movement while focusing on complex motion patterns centered around joint and muscular dysfunction.

This is our definition of what body tempering is:

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Body Tempering is a tool used to accelerate sport activity performance and recovery by combating soft tissue restrictions.

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Body Tempering is utilizing weight to assist in joint and soft tissue mobilization. That weight can be light (3-5 lbs) up to Heavy (165 - 300 lbs). It is a tool to improve range of motion, increase flexibility, reduce soreness, mobilize the myofascial layers, address trigger points (or tender points), strengthen tendons, and alter sympathetic nervous system excitation

Body Tempering is meant to help augment any training or rehab protocols to help remove any doubt that you did everything you could to train to meet your individual goals. It is not meant to stand alone as a technique. It is also not meant to be a crutch for dealing with more serious medical issues in the absence of professional medical care. We often wait until something is broken to fix it and ignore the importance of routine maintenance. Tempering meant to help prevent injury or in a medical capacity to help reduce soreness, reduce tightness, and improve range of motion, not act as an isolated treatment. Body tempering without optimal movement or training is going to be inefficient.