Rock Pods are our take on cupping. They are medical grade silicone cups that come in 2 different sizes. Each set of Rock Pods has 4 large and 4 small cups and come in a handy carry case.
What are Rock Pods designed to do?
Cupping with Rock Pod creates a decompressive force in the tissues immediately under the cup (with a compressive force created around the rim of the cup). The lifting of the tissues can be a different stimulus to the tissues and the nervous system and for some people can be a relaxing way of treating tight or sore areas. The decompressive effect is greater than that generated by RockTape. Cupping works in the opposite way to many other forms of manual therapy that typically create a compressive force - such as massage, floss bands and compression wrapping.
What’s the different between these and the glass ones?
Traditionally, cupping has been performed using glass cups. The cups are heated over a flame and then quickly applied to the body part to create the suction effect. More recently, cupping sets have become plastic cups with a one-way valve at the top of the cup, with a hand operated vacuum pump generating the suction pressure. The reliance on the vacuum pump can be problematic in a clinic with multiple treatment rooms when trying to locate the pump.
Rock Pods utilise an “in-built” suction system- you can use the plunger on the top of the Pod to press down and generate a moderate level of suction, or the cup can be inverted on itself, placed over the target tissue and the edges of the cup “rolled” into contact with the skin- this creates a significantly higher level of suction. These two levels of suction allow the user to progress from a lighter suction force to a greater suction force if necessitated, but allows a lighter level of suction to be tried first.
The silicone Rock Pods are also much easier to travel with as they come in a much more compact carrying case and remove the need to carry a vacuum pump. They are also far more durable and hard to break.
Do they slide or move after applying?
These cups do not slide well on the skin once they are applied. However they are excellent at maintaining suction pressure whilst the client moves with the Pods in place.
The Pods generally stick well over body areas with hair, but if the body part has very thick, coarse hair, then applying a small amount of Rock Rub can help create the desired level of suction.
How long do you keep them on for?
Typically most Pods will be in place for only several minutes at a time. The lower body areas (low back and legs) are typically able to withstand longer application times, whereas the upper body (trunk, neck and arms) may get an adequate treatment effect with shorter applications.
Will they leave a bruise?
Occasionally a small circular bruise will be left where the Pod has been. This occurs less in lower body regions and less often with the lighter suction pressure. Bruising is not typically an aim of treatment, but may occur more readily in people who bruise easier. With this in mind we recommend shorter application times initially for these people to test their tolerance to treatment with the Pods. Applying the Pods to the face/head region is much more likely to cause a bruise and is not generally recommended.