PV….is cupping contraindicated?

[LittleLuna]

Hi All

I hope everyone is well and enjoying whatever sunshine some of us are getting now.

I have not been on here in a while. Life & work is manic but plan to pop an update on whats been happening with me.

But for now, I have a quick question on use of cupping from massage / alternative practitioners for PV. I have back and shoulder problems and finding physio and chiropractor not touching issue. I have found an amazing Bodywork Practitioner working on me but some of options i need are

1. Deep massage

2. Cupping

Have any of you gone this route? In general cancers cupping would be contra-indicated but unsure of our rare problem

I will check with my MPN Nurse but would love your experiences if any

Have a lovely evening all

😀

[hunter5582]

I have done both, cupping and deep tissue work. The deep tissue work is OK with a skilled practitioner. It could cause some bruising.

I am not a fan of cupping. It is very uncomfortable, causes bruising, and provides little relief. Cupping is based on the same principles as acupuncture or acupressure. I prefer these two alternatives as my experience is the risk-benefit profile is better.

We are all different in how we respond. Providing there are no contraindications it will not hurt to try. Your plan to review thus with your MPN care team is a good idea.

Please let us know how it goes.

[LittleLuna in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks Hunter.

Really appreciate your input and experiences. I know us MPN folk have bruising issues which I am in right now, for last couple of months so even scratching myself can bruise. Im not worried about bruising if benefits are worth it.

I will check with MPN Nurse and continue with deept tissue for now. I will keep you updated

Adie

[EPguy]

I've had cupping both before PV and with. Both made plenty of bruise, neither seemed to do anything.

For back and shoulder type problems, and similar muscle skeletal things, I found a clear benefit from an osteopath. But a full body expert osteo is rare, they include cranial expertise.

[LittleLuna in reply to EPguy]

Thanks EPguy.

I might skip the cupping but finding the weird and wonderful treatment regime he has good. Early days but will see how it goes

[Ebot]

Hi

I recall having a conversation with a very experienced physio and alternative health practitioner some years ago about cupping. And he certainly wouldn’t do it on someone with ET / PV. The risk of substantial bruising would be significant. If (and it’s a big if) there were benefits to be gained they would be outweighed by the potential risks.

I’d also be concerned about deep tissue massage. Well trained massage therapists tend not to be prepared to give deep tissue massages to people with blood cancers Those trained to work with oncology patients are usually very wary of going too hard and too deep

Wishing you all the best.

[LittleLuna in reply to Ebot]

Thanks Ebot thats very helpful advice