Clinical usage, application procedures, and perceived effectiveness of cupping therapy among healthcare professionals in the United States: A cross-sectional survey

Despite its growing popularity since the mid-1900s, the application procedures and factors influencing the usage of cupping therapy among healthcare professionals in the United States remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usage, application procedures, and perceived effectiveness of cupping therapy among healthcare professionals in the United States. A convenience sample of 158 healthcare professionals (age: 29.36 ± 7.42 years) participated in this cross-sectional study (completion rate = 86.15%; n = 158/195). A custom web-based survey designed to assess respondents’ clinical incorporation of cupping therapy, was disseminated through snowball sampling on various social media platforms. Descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, and frequencies were calculated per survey item. Ninety-one percent of respondents reported working as an athletic trainer in either a secondary school (30%) or collegiate setting (48%). Dry cupping was the most commonly reported type of cupping therapy (99%), and 75% of respondents reported using both static and moving cupping techniques. Significant differences in cup application time and the amount of air extraction were noted between static and moving cupping. Cupping therapy was reported as most effective for treating muscle tightness, myofascial trigger points, and musculoskeletal pain. While the usage and application of cupping therapy may vary based on the type and style of cupping as well as the patient's condition, respondents reported cupping therapy to be an effective method for treating various musculoskeletal conditions. •Cupping therapy has become a common complementary treatment technique among healthcare professionals in the United States.•The reported application of cupping therapy varied based on the style of cupping and several patient-related factors.•Healthcare professionals found cupping therapy to be an effective method for treating various musculoskeletal conditions.•Commonly reported benefits of cupping therapy were increased blood flow, improved range of motion, and reduced adhesions.