05/01/2025
Bruising: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Cupping and IASTM are popular treatments for muscle pain and soreness. However, it's important to be aware that there is such a thing as too much bruising.
Bruising Basics: Bruising (Ecchymosis) occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin are ruptured. This can happen with any type of massage, but techniques like cupping and IASTM, which often involve deeper pressure and suction, have a higher risk.
This deeper work is for breaking down scar tissue and not for regular maintenance sessions.
When bruising occurs, it should be limited to a small area of the body - it is ruptured blood vessels after all.
😇 THE GOOD:
Some discolouration is expected, especially after deeper work. This usually fades within a week or two.
* This is because the suction or scraping action can break small blood vessels under the skin.
* This type of bruising is usually not painful and will fade within a few days.
🤠 THE BAD:
* Moderate bruising can be a sign that the treatment was too aggressive.
* This type of bruising may be painful and can take longer to heal.
🤬 THE UGLY:
Excessive bruising: Large, widespread bruises, or bruises that take significantly longer to heal (more than 2 weeks) can be a cause for concern.
This type of bruising can be painful and can lead to serious complications, such as skin infections or nerve damage.
When to Raise Concerns:
* Intense, prolonged pain: Bruising should not cause severe or lasting discomfort.
* Unexplained fever or chills: These could indicate an infection.
* Numbness or tingling: These are potential signs of nerve damage.
Personally:
After 15 years, I can count the times I've knowingly bruised people, on one hand, including my training courses.
I do not practice or receive cupping. Until there are studies to change my mind, I will stay with my experience of it and my understanding of anatomy.
IASTM/Gua Sha/Graston (Scraping) is something I don't practice, but do receive in rare instances. If performed by a qualified and insured practitioner as an add-on to a main modality with solid anatomy knowledge, eg Chiropractor/Osteo/Physio etc.
