Massage Cupping: What It Is, Who It Helps & Why You’ll Love It

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Massage cupping has become one of our most-requested add-ons at Oak City Massage and for good reason. It’s a powerful, therapeutic technique that combines traditional massage with gentle suction to decompress muscles, increase circulation, and promote faster recovery.

What Is Massage Cupping?

Massage cupping uses specialized silicone or plastic cups that create suction on the skin. Instead of pressing down like traditional massage, cupping lifts the tissue. This creates space for better blood flow, reduces tension, and helps flush out stagnation in the muscles.

The result? A deeper release without the need for deep pressure.

Benefits of Massage Cupping

Cupping can offer a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Relieves chronic muscle tension and tightness

  • Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage

  • Reduces inflammation and supports recovery

  • Enhances range of motion

  • Breaks up adhesions and fascia restrictions

  • Promotes relaxation and stress relief

Many clients say cupping gives them the same results as deep-tissue massage but with less discomfort.

Who Is Cupping Best For?

Massage cupping is especially helpful for:

  • Athletes needing faster recovery and improved mobility

  • Individuals with chronic pain, especially in the neck, back, or shoulders

  • People with limited range of motion or muscle stiffness

  • Desk workers dealing with posture-related tension

  • Anyone who prefers a gentler approach compared to intense deep tissue pressure

It’s also a great option for those looking to enhance their regular massage routine with deeper, longer-lasting relief.

Does Cupping Leave Marks?

Sometimes, yes but they are not bruises. They’re simply signs of increased circulation and typically fade within a few days. Most clients find the relief well worth it.

Experience Cupping at Oak City Massage

Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved athletic performance, or simply deeper relaxation, massage cupping is a powerful addition to your wellness routine. Our trained therapists tailor each session to your needs, ensuring a safe, effective, and rejuvenating experience.

Ready to try cupping?

Book your session at Oak City Massage and feel the difference.

Christmas Gift Cards

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It’s that time of year again! This year, give the gift of relaxation. We are now selling Christmas gift cards, any regularly priced massage gift card is 10% off! Gift cards can be sent via email or picked up in person. Please call or email to schedule your gift card pick-up. 919-322-8382

Mother's Day

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Some how Mother’s Day is next week!! As usual, the year is flying by. If you are still looking for a gift for the Mom or Mom-to-be in your life, consider giving her the gift of relaxation! We sell 60 minute, 75 minute and 90 minute massage gift cards. To purchase a gift card, send an email or call to schedule a pick-up or to get your gift card emailed to you! 919.322.8382

Trigger Points: What They Are and How Massage Can Help

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Trigger points, often referred to as muscle knots, are small (can be as tiny as a mustard seed), tight areas in muscles that can cause significant pain and discomfort. These points are usually the result of muscle overuse, injury, or stress. Trigger points can lead to referred pain, meaning the pain may be felt in a different area of the body. For example, a knot in the shoulder may cause pain in the neck, head or down the arm. Some people have mistakenly undergone surgery to try to correct the pain they feel not knowing that the problem was a trigger point. Leading to high expenses and sometimes more issues for and still, they feel the same issue.  Sometimes it is better to get a massage first, try something non-invasive before going through a drastic measure like surgery.

The problem with trigger points is that they restrict blood flow, causing a build-up of waste products in the muscle tissue. This not only causes pain but also limits the muscle’s ability to function properly. Left untreated trigger points can lead to chronic muscle pain, stiffness, and even reduced range of motion making everyday tasks difficult. Massage is an effective way to treat trigger points. Trigger point therapy is typically done applying pressure with fingers, elbows and special tools.  Also, through techniques like deep tissue massage or myofascial release, a skilled therapist can target these tight areas. Massage helps by increasing blood flow, releasing built-up tension and helping to break down the knot. Blood flow helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the muscles that are deprived of those things. Regular massage helps to reduce the pain associated with trigger points and promotes healing, allowing muscles to relax and return to their normal function. 

Whether you're dealing with persistent pain or simply want to prevent trigger points from forming, massage offers a therapeutic way to keep your muscles healthy and pain-free. Call or email today to schedule your next appointment! 919-322-8382