Description: This evidence-informed continuing education course introduces Athletic Trainers to the dynamic application of myofascial decompression and cupping therapy in sports medicine settings. Designed to bridge traditional soft-tissue methods with modern athletic rehabilitation, the curriculum explores the neurophysiological and mechanical mechanisms behind cupping, including microcirculation enhancement, fascial layer decompression, and nociceptive modulation. Clinicians will gain practical insights into static and dynamic cupping applications, slide techniques, and movement-integrated therapies tailored for high-performance recovery and subacute musculoskeletal injury care. Through clinical reasoning framework instruction, ATs will learn proper pressure management, skin assessment, contraindications, and safety protocols necessary to minimize tissue trauma while optimizing active tissue length and joint range of motion. Incorporating cupping into return-to-play protocols empowers clinicians to provide versatile, non-invasive therapeutic interventions that accelerate soft-tissue recovery and relieve pain in active populations.

Objectives: Explain the primary neurophysiological and mechanical mechanisms of myofascial cupping, including fascial decompression and localized hyperemia. Identify absolute and relative contraindications, skin integrity considerations, and safety parameters when applying cupping techniques to athletic populations. Demonstrate active and dynamic cupping application strategies within functional rehabilitation protocols to enhance soft-tissue mobility and movement efficiency.

Presenter(s): Vicki Ramsdell, LMT

Status: Active

Activity Difficulty Level: Advanced

Domains:

• Risk Reduction
• Wellness and Health Literacy
• Specialty (Orthopedic): Procedural Knowledge
• Therapeutic Intervention

Format: Virtual Asynchronous - On Demand

Dual Credentials and JA: Athletic Trainers Only

Start Date & Time: 11/02/2026 12:00 AM CST

End Date & Time: 01/31/2032 11:59 PM CST

Cost: $59.95

Capacity: 99999

CEUs: 3.5