Every summer an athlete walks into frame with perfect circles across their back, and our inbox fills with the same question: what ARE those marks? As the therapist who applies most of our cups, here is the honest answer.
What the marks are
Suction draws blood toward the skin’s surface under the cup, leaving a round mark that ranges from light pink to deep purple. It is not bruising from impact — nothing was hit — and it is rarely painful. Most marks fade in three to seven days.
What the colour means (roughly)
Darker marks generally appear where tissue has been stagnant and tight; lighter marks where circulation was already good. It is a rough guide, not a diagnosis — we treat how you move, not the shade of the circle.
What actually matters
The mark is a side effect; the point is the tissue underneath. Patients typically report looser shoulders and easier rotation after a session, which we then lock in with mobility work. Without the movement part, cupping is just interesting polka dots.
Aftercare in one line
Drink water, keep the area warm, skip intense training for 24 hours, and enjoy it. If you are on blood thinners, pregnant, or have a skin condition, tell us first — we will screen you properly before any cups come out.