Does Cupping Work for Back & Neck Pain?
Cupping in Osteopathic Practice: What the Evidence Says currently in 2026
Whether you’ve seen the circular marks on elite athletes or noticed it trending on social media, cupping therapy has become a popular addition to manual therapies like osteopathy and physio. But beyond the hype, what does the actual research tell us about its role in evidence-based recovery?
In a Nutshell:
The Goal: Uses suction to lift tissue, potentially improving blood flow and modulating pain.
The Evidence: Shows promise for short-term pain relief, but works best as a "supporting act" rather than a standalone cure.
The Hamilton Approach: At MotionPlus Osteo, we use it as one tool in a wider, personalised rehab plan.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping involves placing specialised cups on the skin to create negative pressure (suction). In a clinical setting, we typically use dry cupping (suction only).
While the exact physiological pathways are still being studied, researchers believe the suction helps by increasing local circulation, altering pain signalling, and potentially relieving tension in the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding your muscles (Cramer et al., 2020).
What the Research Says About Pain Relief
Recent clinical reviews suggest that cupping may help manage symptoms for several common issues:
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A recent meta-analysis (Jia et al., 2025) found that cupping was associated with reduced pain scores. However, the study noted that it didn’t always lead to long-term functional improvements on its own.
Lower Back Pain: A 2022 review of randomised clinical trials found that cupping could significantly lower pain intensity compared to no treatment at all (Zhang et al., 2022).
Neck Pain: Some evidence suggests improvements in both pain levels and range of motion, though researchers suggest more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these effects (Kim et al., 2018).
Is It Safe?
When performed by a trained health professional, cupping is very low risk. The most common side effect is the "bruise-like" marks (painless redness) which usually fade within a few days. As with any manual therapy, we ensure it’s appropriate for your specific health history before starting.
How We Use Cupping at MotionPlus Osteo
At our Hamilton clinic, we focus on Hauora a holistic view of your health. We don't see cupping as a "magic bullet." Instead, we find it most effective as an adjunctive tool.
In our practice, cupping may be integrated into a treatment plan that includes:
Soft tissue massage and mobilisation.
Exercise prescription to build long-term strength.
Education on how to manage your injury at home or at work.
For a Waikato weekend warrior or someone dealing with office-based tension, cupping may provide that "window of relief" that allows you to move more freely and engage better with your rehabilitation exercises.
Conclusion
Cupping shows great potential for short-term pain modulation, but the best results come from a comprehensive assessment and a structured plan. We personalise every session to your specific goals, whether that’s getting back on the field or simply moving through your day without discomfort.
Are you dealing with a stubborn injury?
Book an appointment in at MotionPlus Osteo in Hamilton today to discuss whether cupping could be a helpful part of your recovery.
References
Cramer, H., Klose, P., Teut, M., Rotter, G., Ortiz, M., Anheyer, D., Linde, K., & Brinkhaus, B. (2020). Cupping for Patients With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The journal of pain, 21(9-10), 943–956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2020.01.002
Jia, Y., Dong, X., Chai, Y., Bai, Z., Sun, T., & Hou, X. (2025). Effects of cupping therapy on chronic musculoskeletal pain and collateral problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ open, 15(5), e087340. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087340
Kim, S., Lee, S. H., Kim, M. R., Kim, E. J., Hwang, D. S., Lee, J., Shin, J. S., Ha, I. H., & Lee, Y. J. (2018). Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ open, 8(11), e021070. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021070
Zhang, Z., Liu, Z., & Sun, J. (2022). Effects of cupping therapy on low back pain: A systematic review. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 35(5), 957–965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103013