Recently, an old hamstring injury of mine flared up big time, leaving me dealing with lower back and leg pain for what seems like an eternity. The range of motion from my hips down has been pretty pathetic, which has made working out and my usual yoga classes too challenging for me.
Currently, I’m seeing a chiropractor with a focus on soft tissue who has been very helpful in my recovery, although making me look like a human domino.
(FYI – Smart Cupping + Deep Tissue Work + A Girl Who Bruises Very Easily = Not So Pretty)
**Smart Cupping**
I know. BUT IT FEELS SO GOOD. Um, well, kind of.
(Also, I appreciate the chiropractor placing the cup on my calf directly around that awesome bruise. So artful.)
True story, you guys. Last week, I couldn’t even bend forward at the slightest angle without shooting pain in my left leg and hamstring… literally leaning forward to wash my face was excruciating. (It’s also a good time for me to point out that I’ve never been able to bend over and touch my toes. I have some scar tissue/adhesions in my lower back muscle tissue that just will not allow me to get that range of motion.)
The chiropractor suggested smart cupping on my lower back to help with flexibility, so I went for it.
Yes, that is my back being suctioned by a smart cupping device. Hey, Michael Phelps does it.
The chiropractor used a smart cupping device on my back, and let’s be honest, it’s not the most wonderful feeling. It feels like… well, the way your back would feel being *vacuumed into a cup* with adjustable pressure. For me, despite the pulling sensation, it was a deeper ache, because the smart cupping was breaking up an old adhesion in my muscle tissue.
We began some stretching movements with the smart cups still working – first I would bend over and try to touch my toes (nope! not even close!), then raise up and do a slight backbend, then side-to-side and repeat. You guys, by the fourth round of the stretches, I could touch the floor. NO JOKE. Never in my life have I touched my toes, and my fingers were on the ground in front of me with my legs completely straight. He removed the smart cups, and I could stretch even deeper.
I was astonished. I walked out of the clinic with no pain in my body. My leg and hamstring felt completely fine. It was bizarre. I called at least 10 people freaking out. (And you know it takes a lot for me to actually speak to someone *ON THE PHONE*.)
Now, the next morning? The pain came back, but not as bad as before. And could I touch my toes again? No, but my range of motion was greatly improved.
I’m seeing the chiropractor once a week and feel better with every visit. I’m not sure about smart cupping in terms of toxin removal, but if you are interested in flexibility and increased range of motion from new or old injuries, I’m a believer.
As always, hit me up with any questions in the comments!
Currently, I’m seeing a chiropractor with a focus on soft tissue who has been very helpful in my recovery, although making me look like a human domino.
(FYI – Smart Cupping + Deep Tissue Work + A Girl Who Bruises Very Easily = Not So Pretty)
**Smart Cupping**
I know. BUT IT FEELS SO GOOD. Um, well, kind of.
(Also, I appreciate the chiropractor placing the cup on my calf directly around that awesome bruise. So artful.)
True story, you guys. Last week, I couldn’t even bend forward at the slightest angle without shooting pain in my left leg and hamstring… literally leaning forward to wash my face was excruciating. (It’s also a good time for me to point out that I’ve never been able to bend over and touch my toes. I have some scar tissue/adhesions in my lower back muscle tissue that just will not allow me to get that range of motion.)
The chiropractor suggested smart cupping on my lower back to help with flexibility, so I went for it.
Yes, that is my back being suctioned by a smart cupping device. Hey, Michael Phelps does it.
The chiropractor used a smart cupping device on my back, and let’s be honest, it’s not the most wonderful feeling. It feels like… well, the way your back would feel being *vacuumed into a cup* with adjustable pressure. For me, despite the pulling sensation, it was a deeper ache, because the smart cupping was breaking up an old adhesion in my muscle tissue.
We began some stretching movements with the smart cups still working – first I would bend over and try to touch my toes (nope! not even close!), then raise up and do a slight backbend, then side-to-side and repeat. You guys, by the fourth round of the stretches, I could touch the floor. NO JOKE. Never in my life have I touched my toes, and my fingers were on the ground in front of me with my legs completely straight. He removed the smart cups, and I could stretch even deeper.
I was astonished. I walked out of the clinic with no pain in my body. My leg and hamstring felt completely fine. It was bizarre. I called at least 10 people freaking out. (And you know it takes a lot for me to actually speak to someone *ON THE PHONE*.)
Now, the next morning? The pain came back, but not as bad as before. And could I touch my toes again? No, but my range of motion was greatly improved.
I’m seeing the chiropractor once a week and feel better with every visit. I’m not sure about smart cupping in terms of toxin removal, but if you are interested in flexibility and increased range of motion from new or old injuries, I’m a believer.
As always, hit me up with any questions in the comments!
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