Open AccessThe Evidence for Common Nonsurgical Modalities in Sports Medicine, Part 2: Cupping and Blood Flow Restriction
Author(s) -
David P. Trofa,
Kyle K. Obana,
Carl L. Herndon,
Manish S. Noticewala,
Robert L. Parisien,
Charles A. Popkin,
Christopher S. Ahmad
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of orthopaedic surgeons. global research and reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.358
H-Index - 2
ISSN - 2474-7661
DOI - 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-19-00105
Subject(s) - blood flow restriction , modalities , sports medicine , medicine , blood flow , treatment modality , physical therapy , surgery , sociology , resistance training , social science
Objective: There are a number of nonsurgical modalities used by athletes in attempts to improve performance or prevent, treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. A concise review of available evidence on common nonsurgical modalities used today is necessary, so that practitioners may appropriately counsel patients. Methods: A comprehensive review of relevant publications regarding cupping and blood flow restriction (BFR) from 2006 through 2019 was completed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: There have been numerous investigations evaluating the efficacy of nonsurgical modalities for a myriad of musculoskeletal conditions. Cupping may be an effective option with low risk in treating nonspecific, musculoskeletal pain. Studies comparing BFR with non-BFR controls suggest that it may increase muscle strength and endurance for individuals undergoing rehabilitation or sport-specific training by mimicking the low oxygen environment during exercise. Conclusions: Nonsurgical modalities are low-cost treatment strategies with rates of adverse outcomes as low as 0.008% that will likely continue to increase in popularity. Despite the paucity of recent research in cupping and BFR, evidence suggests benefits with use. High-quality studies are needed to effectively evaluate these treatments, so that care providers can provide appropriate guidance based on evidence-based medicine.