Why You May Experience Soreness or Pain After Cupping, Acupuncture and Chiro Treatment

15 Jan

Post treatment soreness/stiff is expected.

After chiropractic, acupuncture, and cupping treatments, your body begins to adjust, rebalance, and heal. Muscles, joints, fascia, circulation, and the nervous system have been moved and stimulated, often in areas that have held tension and restriction for some time.

Mild soreness or discomfort can occur as:

Muscles relax and lengthen
Joints move more freely
Circulation increases to areas of tension or stagnation
Inflammation and metabolic waste are flushed from tissues
The nervous system adapts to new movement and alignment

This type of soreness is similar to post-exercise soreness and is a normal part of the healing process.

What to Expect After Treatment

It’s normal to experience:

Mild soreness, stiffness, or tenderness
Temporary symptom flare-up before improvement
Fatigue, deep relaxation, or feeling “spacey”
Increased body awareness or lightness in movement
Emotional shifts — feeling calm, teary, reflective, or more sensitive
Increased thirst or need to urinate
Circular cupping marks or mild tenderness

These responses are a normal part of your body adjusting and usually settle within 24–72 hours.

When Soreness Is Normal

Mild to moderate soreness, stiffness, or tenderness
Aching that feels muscular rather than sharp
Temporary symptom flare-up before then easing and improving
Fatigue or heaviness that improves with rest
Symptoms that settle within 24–72 hours

When Soreness Is Not Normal

Please contact your practitioner if you experience:

Sharp, severe, or worsening pain
Pain that does not improve after a few days
New symptoms that feel unusual or concerning
Anything that doesn’t feel “right” for your body

If you’re ever unsure please contact your practitioner — it’s always worth asking.

After Care Guidelines

Post Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Cupping Treatment

Drink plenty of water for the next 24 hours
Move gently — light walking and stretching are encouraged
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or intense workouts for 24 hours
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine for 12–24 hours
Keep treated areas warm and protected from wind or cold
Avoid hot baths, saunas, ice baths, or swimming for 12–24 hours
Eat nourishing foods and allow extra rest if needed
Take anti-inflammatory medication if you feel you need it

If sore, you may also try hot/cold therapy
→ 10 minutes cold, followed by 10 minutes heat.
This can help reduce inflammation and support circulation. If you feel you need to, you can also take an anti-inflammatory,