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Even though Canada ranks high in health (8th) and overall well-being (2nd) in the world, many Canadians still struggle with pain management. One common issue in pain management is shoulder pain. It usually stems from injuries like rotator cuff tears, arthritis, or inflammation from overuse.

While shoulder problems are common, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Here at Masahista Healing Hands, we offer effective shoulder cupping techniques designed to bring relief. Below, we’ll explore the many benefits of cupping for shoulder pain.

Reduced Pain

Shoulder pain can make simple tasks difficult. As one of the natural healing methods, cupping therapy uses special cups to create suctions on your skin. This gentle suction helps to increase blood flow and nutrients to the targeted area.

When you’re injured or experience overuse, your body sends inflammatory cells to the area to heal. While this is good for healing, inflammation can also cause pain and stiffness. Since it improves blood flow, cupping can help to reduce inflammation and the pain it brings.

The suction from cupping helps loosen and relax tight muscles, easing aches and discomfort. It’s like a deep tissue massage that leaves your shoulders feeling loose and relaxed. Our experienced practitioners know where to place the cups for effective pain relief.

Improved Range of Motion

Tight muscles may restrict the range of motion in your muscles. They make it difficult to reach overhead or behind your back. By releasing this tension, cupping can improve your shoulder’s flexibility and allow for a wider range of movement.

Just like it improves blood flow to muscles, cupping can also increase blood flow to your shoulder joints. It helps lubricate the joints and boost their overall mobility. As such, the treatment leads to smoother and more pain-free movement.

Tight muscles and restricted movement can contribute to poor posture, which can further strain your shoulders. By improving flexibility and range of motion, cupping can help you achieve better posture. It further reduces pain and discomfort.

Enhanced Relaxation

You might think of cupping as just a pain relief therapy, but it can also have a profound impact on your mental well-being. Tight muscles in your shoulders can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Cupping draws up the skin and underlying tissues to loosen those tight muscles.

The act of cupping itself can be quite therapeutic. As the cups move across your skin, they mimic the feeling of a massage. As such, they trigger the release of endorphins — your body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

Faster Healing

Cupping increases blood flow to the ailing area. It delivers fresh oxygen and essential nutrients to damaged tissues. With a richer supply of these building blocks, your body can repair itself more efficiently.

Shoulder injuries often involve inflammation, which can cause pain and stiffness. Cupping therapy helps to reduce inflammation by promoting lymphatic drainage, which removes waste products and inflammatory cells from the injured area. It thus creates a more optimal environment for healing and reduces pain.

The gentle suction and massage-like action of cupping can help break down scar tissues or adhesions that restrict movement. This way, it allows for a gradual increase in your range of motion, which helps you regain full function in your shoulder.

Reduced Muscle Tension

A tight shoulder or stiff neck are common signs of muscle tension. They stem from overuse, injury, or even poor posture. Thankfully, cupping therapy at Masahista Healing Hands can help relieve this discomfort.

Our therapists will place special cups on your sore shoulders during a cupping session. These cups create a gentle suction effect that helps lift and separate the layers of your skin and muscle tissue. The gentle pulling action can break up tight knots and adhesions in your muscles.

Adhesions in the muscles are often the source of pain and restricted movement. Cupping therapy can significantly improve your range of motion by releasing this tension. It also leaves your shoulders feeling looser and more comfortable.

In addition to the physical benefits, the massage-like action of cupping can also help to promote relaxation. Cupping for tension also improves sleep quality. It can be especially helpful if your muscle tension keeps you awake at night.

Improved Blood Flow

Your body relies on a consistent healthy blood flow to deliver rich nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. Blood flow helps maintain good health and promotes healing after an injury. Unfortunately, injuries and muscle tension can restrict blood flow to the affected area.

When this happens, it can slow down the healing process and contribute to pain and inflammation. The suction created by the shoulder cupping techniques helps draw fresh blood to the treated area. Increased blood flow brings essential oxygen and nutrients that can help accelerate the healing process.

Cupping can also help remove waste products that can build up in the muscles and contribute to pain. Improved blood flow can also play a role in pain management. It also reduces inflammation, which causes pain.

Stress Relief

Stress can manifest in your body as physical tension and pain. When stressed, muscles tend to tighten up, which can lead to headaches, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort. Luckily, cupping therapy at Masahista Healing Hands can address the physical symptoms of stress.

The gentle suction and massage-like action of cupping therapy can help to activate the body’s relaxation response. This response helps to lower your heart rate, slow your breathing, and ease muscle tension. As your body relaxes, your stress levels naturally decrease.

Additionally, the calming environment at our facility can further enhance the cupping therapy benefits. As a result, you’ll feel calmer and more centered. The therapy can improve your sleep quality and well-being.

Shoulder Pain Relief With Effective Shoulder Cupping at Masahista Healing Hands

Shoulder cupping is a natural and alternative approach to shoulder pain relief. Our experienced practitioners can create a personalized cupping treatment plan for you. The plan will get you back on track to feeling your best.

Are you feeling bogged down by body aches and pains and want to reconnect with your body? Our serene environment in West Edmonton and expert therapists will help you achieve physical and emotional well-being. Schedule your appointment to embark on a refreshing journey towards a healthier you.

Josh Shankowsky

Josh is an avid researcher and content writer. When he's not optimizing websites for Snap SEO he is often seen photographing beautiful landscapes and the Northern Lights.

Darlene Aldaca

Registered Massage Therapist

Darlene became a licensed massage therapist because she is passionate about alternative healthcare options. She discovered that many healthcare services were available, but few for follow-up or preventative treatment.

She completed a 2400-hour massage therapist programme at CDI College in October 2021. Darlene brings a wide range of abilities and experiences to her massage career, as well as a constant desire to improve the lives of others. She is excited to expand on it with hands-on bodywork.

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Kathy Ochoa

10 years experience
Registered Massage Therapist
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Kathy is from Edmonton where she has been a Bodymind/Somatics educator, and professional dance artist for the past 30 years.

She graduated from the Alberta College of Massage Therapy to become an RMT and has also worked as a Traditional Thai Massage Therapist since 2004 and a yoga therapist and teacher since 2008.  She loves working in the field of wholistic health, supporting clients from her diverse background as a Qi Gong instructor, Restorative Yoga teacher, Yamuna body rolling, Pilates mat, and contemporary dance instructor.


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Mary Angelie

Team Leader
Registered Massage Therapist

Angelie is certified in Hot Stone Massage, Myofascial Cupping, Traditional Thai Massage, Swedish Relaxation, Deep Tissue, and Therapeutic Massage.

In her early years, she started practicing different massage techniques and has always been interested in learning especially when it comes to improving her massage skills and her clients’ wellbeing. She passionately believes Massage Therapy is a vital part of a person’s health and that one should never miss a lifetime without getting a massage treatment!


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Maricel Calo

Team Leader
Registered Massage Therapist

 Maricel took her 2200 Massage Therapy course at ACMT (Alberta College of Massage Therapy).


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Meriam

Registered Massage Therapist

I’m a dedicated massage therapist with a deep passion for helping others heal and recover. Specializing in therapeutic techniques like deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, and myofascial release, I tailor each session to support the body’s natural recovery process—whether from injury, surgery, or chronic tension. With a caring and intuitive approach, I create a space where clients feel supported, safe, and empowered on their healing journey.


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Ana Huerto Vicente

Registered Massage Therapist

Ana's 3000-hour training at Makami College has equipped her with a deep understanding of the therapeutic benefits of massage. Her certifications in Swedish Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Prenatal Massage, Reflexology, Hot Stone, and Cupping reflect her belief that massage can be both relaxing and healing. Ana's approach is rooted in the belief that pain does not fix pain, and she is committed to providing a relaxing yet therapeutic experience for her clients.

"I am passionate about helping people feel their best and reach their wellness goals. I also enjoy working with a variety of clients."

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Mr. Sky, Sung Kyu Yoo

Registered Massage Therapist

 Sky graduated from Alberta College of Massage Therapy. He has honed his skills in MVA (motor vehicle accident) massage, deep tissue massage, and cupping. His 18 years in the massage industry have been marked by collaboration with other health professionals, including acupuncturists and Chiropractors. This holistic approach, combined with his experience in both clinical and spa environments, has allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of massage therapy. His expertise has even led him to train other licensed massage therapists.


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Eden Llagas

Registered Massage Therapist

 Eden, a Registered Massage Therapist, completed her 3000 hours at Makami College and received a diploma, ensuring she is well-qualified to help her clients meet their health goals.

Eden's repertoire of specialized treatments is designed to cater to a variety of needs, including Swedish Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Cupping, Foot Reflexology, Lymphatic massage, Thai Oil on the Mat, and Thai Oil on the Table.


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Micah Ruado

Registered Massage Therapist

 Micah Ruado is a Registered Massage Therapist with a background in Physiotherapy from the Philippines. Passionate about healing through touch, she blends expert techniques with a deep understanding of body mechanics to relieve tension and restore mobility.

 Outside of work, Micah loves spending time with her family and believes wellness starts at home. Whether easing sore muscles or helping clients relax, she’s all about making people feel their best!


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