Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all — and two of the most requested modalities at Surge, cupping and red light therapy, work through completely different mechanisms. Here’s how our team decides which one fits a given session.
How Cupping Works
Cupping uses controlled suction to lift soft tissue away from the muscle below it, increasing local blood flow and helping release tension that’s built up around a specific area. It’s especially useful for clients dealing with tightness that hasn’t responded to stretching or foam rolling alone.
“Cupping and red light therapy aren’t competing techniques — they’re complementary tools we choose based on what your tissue needs that day.”
— Adam Morales, DPT
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation at a cellular level, without any physical pressure on the tissue. It’s often the better fit right after a high-intensity session, or for clients who find cupping’s suction too intense for a particular area.
Which One Should You Choose?
For most clients, the answer is both — cupping to address a specific area of tightness, red light therapy to bring down inflammation broadly. Your trainer will factor in what you trained that day, how your body’s responding, and what’s on your plan going forward.
