From NBA stars to ultra runners, athletes increasingly turn to cupping to enhance recovery and performance. But does it work? Let’s explore the science, benefits, and athletes-including endurance legends-who champion this practice.
What Is Fire Cupping?
Fire cupping is a traditional therapy rooted in Chinese medicine. Glass cups are heated with fire to create suction, which is then applied to the skin. The vacuum effect draws blood to the surface, promoting circulation and releasing muscle tension. While it leaves temporary bruise-like marks, proponents claim it accelerates healing and reduces soreness.
Athletes Who Swear By Cupping
Michael Phelps (Swimming):
The most famous cupping advocate, Phelps, used it during the 2016 Olympics to address muscle stiffness and improve recovery between races.
LeBron James (Basketball):
LeBron has been spotted with cupping marks during playoffs, crediting the therapy for maintaining peak physical condition.
Alex Naddour (Gymnastics):
The 2016 U.S. Olympic gymnast called cupping his “secret weapon” for staying injury-free during grueling training.
Mo Farah (Long-Distance Running):
The British Olympian uses cupping to manage muscle fatigue and enhance recovery during marathon training cycles.
Natalie Coughlin (Swimming):
The 12-time Olympic medalist incorporates cupping into her recovery routine to combat inflammation.
Dean Karnazes (Ultra Marathoner):
The iconic ultra runner, known for completing 50 marathons in 50 days, uses cupping to tackle muscle stiffness and speed up recovery during multi-day races.
Rich Roll (Ultra-Endurance Athlete):
A plant-based endurance phenom, Roll incorporates cupping into his regimen to mitigate inflammation and joint stress from extreme distances.
Camille Herron (Ultra Running Champion):
The world-record holder for 24-hour running credits cupping for maintaining muscle elasticity and reducing lower-body fatigue during 100+ mile races.
Timothy Olson (Trail Runner):
The Western States 100 record holder uses cupping to address lower back and hip tension caused by mountainous terrain.
Scientific Backing:
Benefits for Endurance Athletes
Endurance sports demand relentless physical output, often leading to prolonged muscle damage and systemic inflammation. Here’s how cupping may help:
- Enhanced Recovery After Ultra Events:
A 2017 study in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation found cupping improved muscle recovery in marathon runners by reducing creatine kinase levels (a marker of muscle damage) post-race.
- Combating Repetitive Stress:
A 2020 review in Frontiers in Physiology noted cupping’s potential to alleviate myofascial pain and improve range of motion, critical for endurance athletes.
- Mental Resilience:
A 2019 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine linked cupping to reduced anxiety and fatigue in athletes, a key benefit during grueling events like Ironman triathlons.
- Improved Circulation for Stamina:
Research in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences (2018) highlighted cupping’s ability to boost blood flow, aiding oxygen delivery to muscles during long efforts.
The Medical Perspective:
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Non-invasive and low-risk when performed by trained professionals.
- May complement ice baths, compression therapy, and physiotherapy for endurance athletes.
Cons:
- Limited large-scale clinical trials; most studies are small or anecdotal.
- Bruising can be mistaken for injury, and improper technique may cause burns.
Why Endurance Athletes Keep Coming Back
Ultra runners and cyclists face unique challenges: hours of repetitive motion, extreme fatigue, and multi-day recovery windows. Cupping’s appeal lies in its simplicity and immediacy-many report reduced stiffness and faster rebound times.
Conclusion:
Tradition Meets Modern Endurance Science Fire cupping bridges ancient wellness practices and the brutal demands of endurance sports. While more research is needed, the testimonials of elite athletes-from Olympians to ultra runners-suggest it’s more than a trend. Whether it’s physiological magic or a mental edge, one thing is clear: if it helps athletes push through 100-mile races or back-to-back tournaments, it’s earned its place in sports recovery.
Have you tried cupping for endurance training? Share your story or tag an athlete who swears by it! Follow us for more deep dives into sports science, recovery trends, and athlete wellness.