Cupping for the Modern Practitioner
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- Non-member - $89.95
- Member - $59.95
- Student - $59.95
- Certified Student - $59.95
- Retired - $59.95
Build practical cupping skills for soft-tissue mobility, pain modulation, recovery, and movement-focused rehabilitation while emphasizing safe pressure management and clinical reasoning.
Course Overview
Apply cupping safely to support soft-tissue mobility, pain modulation, and movement-focused rehabilitation.
Explore the mechanisms behind cupping, pressure management, contraindications, static and dynamic applications, and practical treatment strategies for sports medicine and manual therapy.
About This Course
This evidence-informed continuing education course introduces Athletic Trainers to the dynamic application of myofascial decompression and cupping therapy in sports medicine settings.
Designed to bridge traditional soft-tissue methods with modern athletic rehabilitation, the curriculum explores the neurophysiological and mechanical mechanisms behind cupping, including microcirculation enhancement, fascial layer decompression, and nociceptive modulation.
Clinicians will gain practical insight into static and dynamic cupping applications, slide techniques, and movement-integrated therapies tailored for high-performance recovery and subacute musculoskeletal injury care.
Through a clinical reasoning framework, Athletic Trainers will learn proper pressure management, skin assessment, contraindications, and safety protocols designed to minimize tissue trauma while supporting active tissue length, joint range of motion, and movement efficiency.
The course also introduces applications informed by Eastern cupping traditions, Thai Medical Massage principles, Traditional Chinese Medicine influences, and modern cupping approaches. Participants will explore how techniques can be adapted based on client presentation, treatment goals, comfort, tissue response, and professional scope.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
What You Will Learn
Develop a practical understanding of cupping mechanisms, treatment safety, pressure management, technique selection, and professional integration.
Cupping Foundations
Understand the primary mechanisms, therapeutic benefits, and clinical role of cupping therapy.
Pressure & Safety
Learn how to manage cupping pressure, client comfort, skin response, contraindications, precautions, and treatment response.
Modern Cupping Techniques
Apply practical static, dynamic, and movement-integrated cupping methods informed by Thai, TCM, and modern cupping approaches.
Condition-Specific Applications
Explore cupping applications for frozen shoulder syndrome, sciatica, ITB syndrome, plantar fasciitis, trigger points, and other common soft-tissue presentations.
Client-Centred Treatment
Adapt cupping applications based on client presentation, goals, comfort, tissue response, clinical reasoning, and professional scope.
Course Content
The course combines cupping theory, treatment safety, therapeutic reasoning, condition-specific applications, practical video demonstrations, course resources, and companion learning support.
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for athletic trainers, rehabilitation professionals, massage therapists, manual therapists, chiropractors, nurses, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other qualified hands-on practitioners.
It is especially valuable for professionals who want to add cupping to their practice, strengthen existing cupping skills, or apply cupping techniques more confidently for common musculoskeletal and soft-tissue presentations within their scope of practice.
About Vicki Ramsdell
Vicki Ramsdell, LMT
Vicki Ramsdell is an educator and practitioner with extensive experience in Thai Medical Massage and cupping therapy.
She has served as an adjunct professor of Thai Medical Massage and Cupping at the New York Institute of Massage in Buffalo and the Onondaga School of Massage in Rochester and Syracuse, and is a core teacher for the L.M.T Success Group.
Combining cupping knowledge learned in the East with training through the International Cupping Therapy Association, Vicki has developed a unique cupping system that blends Thai, TCM, and modern cupping techniques.
Included With This Course
Video
Video instruction presented by Vicki Ramsdell, LMT, including practical step-by-step cupping instruction.
Companion Course
Structured companion learning designed to reinforce and deepen course understanding.
Course Texts
Cupping for the Modern Practitioner course notes and an illustrated cupping guide supporting theory and practical application.
Online Exam
Multiple-choice assessment included for successful course completion.
Certificate
Downloadable certificate following successful completion of the requirements for 3.5 Category A CEUs.
Course Access & Expiration
This course must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page .
Topics Covered
Vicki Ramsdell, LMT
Vicki, an adjunct professor at several esteemed institutions including the New York Institute of Massage and Onondaga School of Massage, is a key educator in Thai Medical Massage & Cupping. She is also a core teacher for the L.M.T Success Group, solidifying her place as a significant figure in the field of massage education. Vicki's unique approach to cupping therapy is rooted in a blend of Eastern knowledge and International Cupping Therapy Association coursework. This has led to the creation of a distinct cupping system that harmoniously integrates Thai, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Modern Cupping techniques.