High-intensity exercise causes inflammation and muscle fatigue, which can limit athletic performance, increase the risk of injury and slow the speed of recovery. In recent years, elite athletes have sought relief with cupping therapy, which uses bamboo, glass or acrylic cups to create negative pressure on the skin over an acupoint or painful region. The suction purportedly alleviates muscle pain, enhances blood flow and reduces muscle stiffness.

A 2025 study published in the Journal of Physiological Intervention investigated whether dry cupping does indeed reduce muscle fatigue and inflammation. Ten table tennis athletes completed two identical high-intensity training sessions followed by either dry cupping or no cupping, with a two-week interval between sessions. Fatigue was assessed based on the participants’ perceived exertion levels before and after each session, as well as 30 minutes after cupping. Blood samples were also collected to measure immune cells, inflammatory indicators and markers of muscle damage and metabolic stress.

Participants reported lower perceived exertion after cupping as compared to no cupping. Blood tests revealed that the therapy reduced inflammatory markers and blood urea nitrogen, a muscle damage marker. However, no significant changes were observed in two other muscle damage markers compared to no cupping. The findings suggest that dry cupping may support post-exercise recovery by reducing inflammation and perceived fatigue, rather than directly limiting muscle damage.