Cupping Therapy in Middlesbrough to Release Tension, Ease Pain & Restore Flow

Cupping therapy treatment room at Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing, Middlesbrough, supporting relaxation and natural healing

Restore circulation. Release tension. Support your body’s natural healing.

If your body feels tight, heavy, inflamed, or simply stuck, cupping therapy can help restore movement and ease, gently and naturally.

At Deanna Thomas – Acupuncture & Wellbeing, cupping therapy is offered as a thoughtful, personalised treatment to support pain relief, muscle recovery, stress regulation, and overall wellbeing. Each session is tailored to you, your body, and what it needs most right now.

Book a cupping therapy session in our Middlesbrough clinic or choose a gift voucher for someone who could benefit from deep release and restoration.

Book Cupping Therapy & Massage – £55

What Does Cupping Therapy Do?

Cupping therapy works by encouraging movement where the body has become restricted.

It may help to:

Release deep muscular tension
Improve circulation and lymphatic flow
Reduce pain and stiffness
Support recovery after exercise or physical strain
Calm the nervous system
Ease stress held in the body

Many people describe cupping as a feeling of deep release, a sense that the body can finally let go.

Does Cupping Therapy Work?

Cupping therapy has been used for thousands of years and is now widely integrated into modern wellbeing, sports therapy, and pain management settings.

In clinical practice, it is commonly used to support:

Back, neck, and shoulder pain
Sports injuries and muscle fatigue
Chronic tension and stiffness
Stress-related physical symptoms

While everyone responds differently, many clients notice improvements in comfort, mobility, and ease after just a few sessions, particularly when cupping is part of a broader, personalised treatment plan.

Book Cupping Therapy & Massage – £55

Fire Cupping & Dry Cupping – A Tailored Approach

At Deanna Thomas – Acupuncture & Wellbeing, we offer both fire cupping and dry cupping as part of our personalised treatment approach.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all session, the type of cupping used is chosen based on your needs, your body, and the most appropriate clinical approach for you on the day.

Deanna works with traditional fire cupping, while Anthony offers dry cupping using modern suction cups. Both methods are effective, safe when performed by trained practitioners, and used thoughtfully to support circulation, release tension, and restore balance.

You don’t need to decide which approach is right for you in advance, this will always be discussed and tailored during your appointment.

Professional cupping therapy treatment on the back to improve circulation and muscle recovery

Fire Cupping

Fire cupping is a traditional Chinese Medicine technique where heat is briefly used to create suction in glass cups before they are placed on the skin.

This approach may be beneficial when:

Tension feels deeper or more long-standing
There is a strong sense of stagnation or restriction
Greater movement and circulation are needed

Fire cupping is always performed safely, with care taken to ensure comfort and suitability.

Dry Cupping

Dry cupping uses modern suction cups to gently lift the tissue.

It may be particularly helpful for:

Muscle tightness and fascial restriction
Sports recovery and physical strain
Stress-related tension held in the body
Those who prefer a gentler approach

Dry cupping is often well suited for people new to cupping or those seeking steady, controlled release.

Cupping therapy marks on the back showing increased circulation and tissue release

Cupping Marks Explained

It’s completely normal for cupping to leave temporary circular marks on the skin.

These are not bruises. They are a sign of increased circulation in areas where the tissue was tight or congested.

Marks usually fade within 3–7 days
Colour and intensity vary from person to person
They are painless and harmless

We always explain this clearly before treatment, so you know exactly what to expect.

What to Expect During Your Session

Your cupping therapy session will include:

A brief consultation to understand your needs
Gentle application of cups to specific areas
Time to relax while the cups work
Aftercare guidance to support recovery

Sessions typically last 30–45 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.

Who Is Cupping Therapy Suitable For?

Cupping therapy may be helpful if you are experiencing:

Ongoing muscle tension or stiffness
Back, neck, or shoulder discomfort
Sports or gym-related soreness
Stress held physically in the body
Reduced mobility or circulation

Your practitioner will assess whether cupping is appropriate for you and adapt the treatment accordingly

Exterior of Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing clinic on Acklam Road, Middlesbrough

Why Choose Cupping Therapy at Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing

Choosing where you receive treatment matters.

At our Middlesbrough clinic, you can expect:

Fully qualified, licensed acupuncture practitioners
Treatments rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern clinical understanding
Personalised care, no rushed or generic sessions
A calm, private, and supportive environment
Integration with acupuncture, massage, and other therapies when appropriate

Our focus is always on safe, ethical, and effective care, tailored to your body and your goals.

Book Cupping Therapy & Massage – £55

Frequently Asked Questions About Cupping Therapy

Does cupping therapy hurt?

Most people find cupping therapy comfortable and deeply relieving.
The sensation is often described as a strong stretch or gentle pulling rather than pain. Pressure is always adjusted to your comfort, and we check in with you throughout the session.

Will cupping leave marks?

Cupping can leave temporary circular marks on the skin.These are not bruises — they’re a sign of increased circulation in areas where the tissue was tight or congested.

Marks usually fade within 3–7 days
Colour and intensity vary from person to person
They are painless and harmless

We always explain this clearly before treatment.

What’s the difference between fire cupping and dry cupping?

Both methods use suction to improve circulation and release tension.

Dry cupping uses modern suction cups and is often gentler
Fire cupping is a traditional Chinese Medicine technique using brief heat to create suction in glass cups

At our clinic, the approach is tailored to you.

Deanna works with fire cupping, while Anthony offers dry cupping. You don’t need to decide in advance, this will be discussed during your appointment.

How many cupping sessions will I need?

Some people notice changes after one session, particularly with acute tension.

Ongoing or long-standing issues often benefit from a short course of treatments, which will be discussed with you honestly and without pressure.

Can cupping be combined with acupuncture or massage?

Yes. Cupping therapy works particularly well alongside acupuncture and massage and is often used as part of an integrated treatment plan to support deeper and longer-lasting results.

Is cupping therapy safe?

When performed by a qualified practitioner, cupping is considered a safe and well-tolerated therapy. Your suitability will always be assessed before treatment.

When might cupping not be suitable?

Cupping may not be advised:

Over broken, inflamed, or infected skin
During pregnancy on the abdomen or lower back
If you have certain bleeding or clotting disorders

If you’re unsure, we’ll always talk this through with you before treatment.

What should I do after my cupping session?

After treatment, we recommend:

Drinking plenty of water
Avoiding intense exercise for the rest of the day
Keeping the treated area warm

You’ll receive clear aftercare guidance tailored to you.

I’ve never had cupping before — is that okay?

Absolutely. Many people try cupping for the first time with us.

We’ll explain everything beforehand so you feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout your session.

How do I book a cupping therapy appointment?

You can book online via our secure booking system.

👉 Book Cupping Therapy & Massage – £55

👉 Or treat someone to a gift voucher