Cupping Therapy in San Diego

Cupping at most places means a therapist placing a few cups on your back and leaving them there for ten minutes. That's static cupping — and it has its place. At PBTM we use both static and dynamic cupping, meaning cups are also moved through the tissue to actively release fascial adhesions along the full length of a muscle. Combined with the deep tissue and myofascial release work in your session, cupping accelerates results that would otherwise take multiple sessions to achieve. Every therapist on our team is trained in cupping and understands how to layer it with other techniques for maximum effect.

• Deep muscle tension that doesn't release with compression alone

• Upper back and shoulder tightness

• IT band restriction and hip tightness

• Low back pain and lumbar fascia restriction

• Post-workout soreness and delayed onset muscle soreness

• Scar tissue and adhesions from injury or surgery

• Poor circulation in chronically tight areas

• Neck tension and base-of-skull tightness

• Athletic overuse and repetitive strain

• Brief consult — your therapist identifies the areas where cupping will be most effective

• Prep work — light massage to warm the tissue before cups are applied

• Static cupping placed on primary target areas to decompress and draw circulation

• Dynamic cupping moved through the tissue along muscle lines to release fascial adhesions

• Integration massage — deep tissue or myofascial work layered over the cupped areas while tissue is maximally receptive

• Aftercare guidance — what to expect with marks, hydration, and activity

You have stubborn tension that hasn't fully responded to regular massage, you're an athlete looking to speed recovery, or you're dealing with scar tissue or fascial restriction. Cupping is also excellent for anyone who simply wants to experience what their body feels like with that layer of compression removed. Not for: Clients with certain skin conditions, active inflammation or infection in the treatment area, blood thinners or clotting disorders, or sunburned skin. Cupping is not recommended directly over varicose veins or bony prominences. When in doubt, mention it during your intake and your therapist will advise.

Cupping is integrated into your massage session at no additional charge when your therapist determines it will benefit your session.

New Client Intro Session 60 Min — $79 | 90 Min — $109 | 120 Min — $139

Standard Rates 60 Min — $105 | 90 Min — $155 | 120 Min — $205

Membership Rates 60 Min — $90 | 90 Min — $130 | 120 Min — $175

Members also receive 15% off all additional sessions booked that month.

Hydrate well before your session. Avoid sun exposure on areas to be cupped. Do not shave the area immediately before your appointment. After: Cupping marks are normal and not bruises — they are a sign of increased circulation and fascial release. They typically fade within 3-7 days. Drink plenty of water, avoid intense heat (saunas, hot tubs) for 24 hours, and keep cupped areas out of direct sun until marks fade.

Cupping is contraindicated for clients with bleeding disorders, on blood thinners, with active skin conditions or open wounds in the treatment area, or with severe varicose veins. Pregnant clients should consult their provider before cupping on the abdomen or lower back. Always inform your therapist of any medical conditions before your session.

• Advanced Pain Relief Massage: Deep tissue and myofascial release for chronic pain — cupping included where appropriate.

• Athletic Recovery & Performance Bodywork: Sports massage with cupping for athletes and active recovery.

• Nervous System Reset Massage: Gentle cupping applied during a reset session is remarkably effective at calming an overactivated nervous system — the suction creates a parasympathetic response that deepens relaxation, improves circulation, and releases held tension in ways compression alone cannot achieve. If you're coming in primarily for stress and restoration rather than pain, ask your therapist about incorporating gentle cupping into your reset session.