Lower Back Pain: When It Is Serious and How Physiotherapy Helps
Learn when lower back pain needs urgent medical care, when to see a physiotherapist, and how exercise-led rehabilitation helps you move again.
What we can help with
Hijama is part of the care offered at Physiofit, but it sits alongside physiotherapy — not in place of it. Our approach is to be honest about what the evidence shows, what the risks are, and whether cupping makes sense for your situation.
What happens during a session
Cups are placed on the skin and suction is created, usually with a hand pump. The cups may stay in one position or be moved gently. Dry cupping does not break the skin. Wet cupping involves small incisions and is a procedure that requires careful hygiene and appropriate training.
Sessions are usually short. You may feel a pulling sensation, and temporary circular marks can remain for several days.
What it may help with
People often seek cupping for muscle tightness, persistent pain or recovery. Some research suggests short-term improvements in pain and perceived tension, but the evidence is not strong enough to claim it treats the underlying cause of a condition.
That is why we pair it with an assessment. If your pain is coming from a tendon, a joint, a nerve or a loading problem, cupping alone is unlikely to solve it. Active rehabilitation usually does more for long-term function.
Safety and suitability
Tell us if you:
- Are pregnant
- Take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder
- Have diabetes, skin conditions or a weakened immune system
- Have an infection, open wound or recent surgery in the area
- Have low blood pressure or feel unwell
Cupping should not be performed over broken or infected skin. If you are unsure whether it is appropriate, we can discuss it with you first. This is not a substitute for advice from your doctor.
After your session
Keep the area clean and avoid irritating products on the skin for a day. Temporary marks are common. Seek medical advice if you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever or signs of infection.
An honest adjunct
If you are considering hijama, we will talk through why you are interested, what you hope to change and whether physiotherapy or another approach might serve you better. You are never obliged to combine treatments.
To discuss whether cupping is appropriate alongside your physiotherapy plan, contact the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
01 What is hijama therapy?
Hijama, commonly called cupping, uses cups to create suction on the skin. Dry cupping uses suction alone; wet cupping also involves small skin incisions. At a physiotherapy clinic, cupping is typically used as a short-term adjunct for muscle tightness or pain.
02 Does cupping therapy work?
Some studies report short-term pain relief, but the overall evidence is limited and of low quality for many conditions. We treat it as a possible adjunct rather than a cure, and we combine it with active rehabilitation when appropriate.
03 Is hijama safe?
Cupping is generally safe for healthy people when performed with good hygiene, but it can cause temporary bruises, marks and discomfort. It is not appropriate during pregnancy, with bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use, over infected or broken skin, or after recent surgery. Always tell us about your health conditions and medicines.
04 How often can I have cupping?
There is no single recommended schedule. Frequency depends on your symptoms, goals and response. We avoid overusing it and review whether it is adding value to your overall plan.