As the Olympics draw near, every sector involved in ensuring it is successful has swung into action. This includes the health sector, considering the huge role athletes' health plays in the Olympics.
A recent study provides an overview of what it means to keep athletes healthy and the effective strategies that must be employed. While there are many ways to go about this, Electronic Muscle Stimulation or Electromyostimulation, also known as EMS, and Cupping therapy has recently gained ground in the world of athletes.
What is EMS and Cupping Therapy for Athletes?
EMS is a type of electrotherapy that helps with pain alleviation, increased blood circulation, muscle strengthening and recovery, and wound healing by stimulating a muscle contraction using electrical impulses. A report from the University of Delaware in 2017 calls it an athletic advantage, as it shows how several studies have confirmed the ability of EMS intervention to improve strength and muscle recovery.
Cupping therapy, on the other hand, is a form of ancient medicine that works like EMS therapy but is designed to create suction on the skin. A professional places cups on the skin and the suction device sucks the air from the cup to create a vacuum. There are different cupping methods, which include the dry, air, and wet methods.
Cupping is known to benefit the body in many ways and could be a contributing factor to athletes who train hard. Some of these benefits include improved blood circulation, pain alleviation, reduced inflammation, muscle tension relief, and a form of deep tissue massage.
There have been studies on the effect of cupping on athletes. This includes the clinical trial from a 2017 study focused on the effects of cupping therapy in amateur and professional athletes. The study showed cupping to be beneficial for perceptions of pain and disability, increased range of motion, and reductions in creatine kinase.
Do Athletes Need EMS and Cupping Therapy?
Professional athletes have generally benefited from consistent training. However, beyond the benefits of this training, other forms of therapy are recommended, including EMS and cupping therapy.
Using EMS on athletes at the Olympics is not new, as it has been recorded in many games over the years. However, cupping therapy is still gaining ground as more people are yet to understand how it benefits the body.
The 2016 Olympics got people talking about cupping therapy as Michael Phelps showed up with some “mysterious circular marks” on his shoulders. Many viewers wanted to know what it was and if they did, wanted to know why he did it. Professional athletes around the world, like Michael Phelps, have embraced cupping therapy as part of their routine, as it aids quick muscle recovery from hard training.
Athletes often undergo this form of therapy before and after participating in their sport or during recess. Oftentimes than not, they choose to target a specific part of their body or a group of muscles that will be activated the most during the sport or address specific aches and pains as a result of the game.
Every athlete wants a faster recovery time after strenuous training and cupping therapy seems to be a quick go-to option. This improves the blood circulation in the body and can also help them perform better in sports.
Could there be any hidden reason why Michael Phelps and other top athletes competing in the Olympics choose cupping therapy? The reasons are evident for all to see, as the benefits of cupping therapy have been proven over time.
Can You Do Both EMS and Cupping Therapy?
With the numerous benefits EMS and Cupping therapy provide, what happens when you combine both? It will give you the best experience and aid in fast muscle recovery. But you will also not want to damage your muscles or go overboard in the process.
This is why a device like the TheraCup can be your best bet, as it combines both cupping and EMS therapy in one device. Health professionals have worked on this to ensure it provides the best benefits to the muscles while ensuring that you are safe. The TheraCup comes with a silicone cup for suction, a controller host with up to 15 levels of intensity, and two washable electrodes.
Imagine having everything your muscle would need to help you perform better at the Olympics in one portable bag. This could change the game for you and interestingly, you can use it without extra assistance, anywhere and any time.
Bottom Line
Pain is a common problem among professional athletes and if they want to perform up to par, this pain must be managed effectively. If you have any health concerns, you can talk with your doctor or cupping therapist to know if it’s safe for you and your health condition.
