Cupping Therapy Benefits: What the Research Says and What to Expect

Wellbeing

Back

Updated 05/11/2026

People book cupping for tight, sore muscles, mostly in the back, shoulders and legs, and many say it helps them feel looser, although the research on cupping is still limited. At Sage Massage & Movement in North Perth, cupping is part of a remedial massage with Daniela, Karen or Kaz at no extra charge: $135 for 1 hour or $185 for 1.5 hours.

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping uses silicone cups placed on the skin to create gentle suction, which lifts the skin and the tissue underneath rather than pressing into it. At Sage it is myofascial cupping, used by your remedial therapist alongside hands-on massage on tight areas such as the back, shoulders and legs.

What are the benefits of cupping therapy?

Most people try cupping for muscle tightness and pain. Here is what the evidence says so far:

Pain: the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says cupping may help reduce pain, but the evidence for this isn't very strong, and most of the research is of low quality.
Other conditions: the same source says there is not enough high-quality research to say whether cupping helps with other conditions.
How it feels: many of our clients like the lifting feeling, which is quite different from the pressing of a massage. One client wrote that Kaz "talked me through everything she was doing, and even included cupping which was great."

So we treat cupping as one more tool your therapist can use inside a remedial massage, not a cure for anything on its own.

Does cupping leave marks?

Yes, it can. The cups can leave round marks on the skin that fade over a few days. If you have an event, a photo shoot or a beach day coming up, plan around it. NCCIH also lists less common side effects, including skin discolouration that lasts, and says cupping may worsen eczema or psoriasis, so tell your therapist about any skin condition.

Who should check with their doctor before cupping?

Please let us know when you book if you are pregnant, bruise easily or have a health condition, and check with your doctor first if you are unsure. We will not use cupping if you are on blood thinning medication. Your therapist will tell you if cupping is not right for you.

What is the difference between cupping and dry needling?

	Cupping	Dry needling
How it works	Cups create suction that lifts the skin and the tissue underneath	Very fine needles placed into tight bands of muscle, often called trigger points. Nothing is injected
Where it is used	Tight areas such as the back, shoulders and legs	Specific spots, alongside hands-on work
At Sage	Optional, part of a remedial massage with Daniela, Karen or Kaz	Optional, part of a remedial massage with Karen or Kaz
Extra cost	None	None

More on both on our cupping and dry needling page.

What happens in a cupping session at Sage?

Your therapist will ask what area is causing discomfort for you and discuss whether cupping suits you on the day. It is optional and you can say no at any point. Cupping is used on the areas that need it, with massage for the rest of the session. For tightness that keeps coming back, you can also ask about myofascial release.

How much does cupping cost at Sage?

There is no extra charge. Cupping is part of a remedial massage, which is $135 for 1 hour or $185 for 1.5 hours. A senior therapist surcharge of $10 an hour may apply.

Can you claim cupping on your health fund?

Yes, if you book Remedial (Rebates), with HICAPS on the spot. If you are not claiming, book Remedial Relax (No Rebates). New to it? Read what is remedial massage.

How do you book cupping in North Perth?

Book a remedial massage with Daniela, Karen or Kaz and write "cupping" in your booking notes. If you would like a hand finding a time, give us a call. We are at 5 Scarborough Beach Rd, North Perth, a short drive from Mount Lawley, Leederville, Highgate and the Perth CBD.