Cupping Therapy in San Francisco
Sports cupping from California-licensed acupuncturists in Cow Hollow, for tight muscles, nagging injuries and recovery between training days.
Rated 5.0 on GoogleLicensed acupuncturists
- Performed by
- California-licensed acupuncturists
- What it does
- Lifts tight tissue and draws in blood flow
- How it feels
- A firm pull or stretch, not pain
- Afterwards
- Round marks that usually fade within a week
What our patients say
5.0 on Google from 92 reviews
I could not recommend Andrew enough! He has so much knowledge on the human body and can figure out quickly what areas need work. I went in with major back pain that kept me from lifting weights or running, and after a few sessions I am pain free.
Andrew applies his knowledge of the body and expert techniques to address affected muscles both for maintenance during training and related to injury. His combination of acupuncture and massage helps to open up areas and find the place to target. I have seen Andrew in the past for recovery post concussion and most recently for routine maintenance while training at a high level for my next marathon. I highly recommend Andrew and am lucky to have him as a part of my support team to stay healthy! - Katie Hynes, competitive runner -
Andrew introduced me to a form of healing which, after years of competitive long distance running and many injuries, I am more than thankful to have discovered! My latest injury, a small tear in my left hamstring, sidelined me for a number of months. After trying rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatories with little results, I finally met Andrew. His approach from the very beginning was completely methodical, precise and extremely professional. Right away the pain eased, and I felt my body finally respond to treatment. Andrew was instrumental in healing my hamstring, and I trust that his acupuncture/massage techniques will keep me healthy and, importantly, keep me running for many decades and miles.
I’ve always wanted to be able to demonstrate clearly to professional dancers when giving them corrections or setting ballets. However, without the level of daily physical preparation that my body was used to when I danced, my body now has moments of rebellion that, however careful I am, need the assistance of experts to ensure I can do my job fully. Andrew’s combination of acupuncture and soft tissue work always made a significant difference to my mobility, helping me undertake my role in the studio at a level of physicality such that I’m not confined to the minimum level of demonstration. With his level of experience with dancers it was always easy to discuss problematic muscles and joints, and reassuring that he ‘got’ what was going on and what was required to improve the situation efficiently and effectively.
As a professional dancer, I rely heavily on Andrew throughout the performance season to literally fix me in order to get me back onstage. I have chronic problems with my knee and my shoulder, and the combination of acupuncture with electric stimulation and heat has been tremendously helpful. Andrew only needs five minutes to find exactly where he needs to work, and the results are fantastic. His acupuncture work is also gentle, and doesn’t leave me sore the next day — in fact, it’s one of the only therapies I feel comfortable receiving right before a show. Andrew does great deep tissue work as well, and he is very responsive and attentive as a therapist. I’d highly recommend him to dancers, athletes and non-dancers alike.
In our career it is very important to stay physically healthy, because our dance career is very short. We rehearse, work out every single day, and very often, because of the physical pressure from practicing so hard, we get injuries and surgery. My story is about my back, foot and wrist. I joined San Francisco Ballet a year ago. The first day of work, during ballet class, I hurt my back. I have had problems before with my wrist, and sadly, later on with the tough season, my foot got hurt. Luckily, I was recommended to Andrew Castellanos. I started with a few visits a month, and quickly saw results, so I made sure I finished my treatments. Thanks to Andrew, I was able to finish my successful season here. Now I have to spread the word…
I would strongly (strongly!) recommend Acupuncture for Athletics for both athletes and non-athletes alike. Not only does Andrew help with injury recovery, pain management, and stress relief, but he creates a relaxing and positive environment that enhances the work that he does and leads you to feel better both physically and mentally after each visit. And beyond acupuncture and massage, Andrew goes the extra mile to provide guidance on how to address specific pain-points and injuries, or to simply ensure that you are feeling and performing your best. Again, I can't recommend Acupuncture for Athletics enough!
As an avid runner who is always training for an endurance race my body has a tendency to break down. Andrew is a legit magician. He’s able to get to the root off the problem quickly and I often don’t miss a beat with regards to my training. Marathon prep would not be possible otherwise.
Andrew is the best. I’m a professional ballerina and his treatments helped me come back from a broken foot. When you see Andrew - you’re comforted by his knowledge, expertise, & strategy based treatment. Plus the clinic is so relaxing and warm. I have complete trust that he will help my aches and pains and keep me dancing for a long time.
There’s no one I trust more than Andrew to support my kids in their healing process if they’ve had a sports-related injury. As elite athletes, it’s so important that their knees, ankles and shoulders are well taken care of, and Andrew is our go-to for treatment of pain or injury and also guidance for best practices outside the treatment room to further help healing along. My daughter recently rolled her ankle and was ready for a painfully prolonged healing process when we took her into to see Andrew for a couple treatments before a tournament weekend. With his help, her recovery was amazing, allowing her to feel confident on her ankle. Thanks to Andrew, she was healthy enough to play without pain or exacerbating the injury. We are very grateful to have Andrew on speed dial when these types of injuries occur!
I loved coming to Andrew. He was a lifesaver in helping me through some back issues when I was pregnant with my first child. A lovely, warm place and Andrew is amazing!!!!
Andrew is a fantastic alternative and addition to physical therapy. He quickly understands your condition and treats it effectively.
Suction that gives tight muscle room to move.
Looking for cupping therapy in San Francisco that's built around how you train? At Acupuncture for Athletics, cupping is part of a sports medicine approach, not a spa add-on. Our California-licensed acupuncturists use it to lift tight fascia, bring blood flow into overworked muscle and take the edge off soreness.
Runners, cyclists, climbers, dancers and lifters come to us for calves, hamstrings, IT bands, low backs and shoulders. Most of the time we combine cupping with acupuncture, dry needling or massage, so you get the right mix in one appointment at our Cow Hollow acupuncture clinic on Webster Street.
Why Work with Us
We're not just for athletes, but for everyone wanting more movement and less pain in their life.
Built around your life
We start with how you move, then treat the injury with a plan to get you back to training, work and everyday life.
Excellence in one visit
Acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, cold laser and sports massage from the same licensed team, so you're not bouncing between clinics.
Trusted by professionals
Andrew and team have treated athletes for USF, the San Francisco Ballet, LINES Ballet and MLB spring training. Our patients rate us 5.0 on Google.
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping is a traditional technique that has been part of Chinese medicine for centuries. A cup is placed on the skin and the air inside is drawn out, creating suction that lifts the skin and the connective tissue underneath.
Think of it as massage in reverse. Instead of pressing down into a muscle, cupping pulls the tissue up. That draws blood into the area and gives tight, stuck layers of fascia a gentle stretch. Cleveland Clinic lists the reported benefits as less pain and muscle tightness, better blood flow and more range of motion.
Cupping became famous in 2016, when Olympic swimmers raced with round marks on their shoulders. Sports cupping simply means cupping aimed at the muscles your sport works hardest, often with movement, stretching or needling in the same visit.
Static and moving cupping
We use dry cupping, which means the skin is never broken. Within that there are two main styles, and many sessions use both.
| Compared on | Static cupping | Moving cupping |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Cups stay in one place for several minutes | Oil goes on first, then the cup glides along the muscle |
| What it feels like | A steady pull, as if the skin is being lifted | Closer to a slow, deep massage stroke |
| Typical areas | Back, shoulders and specific tight spots | Calves, hamstrings, IT band, glutes and back |
| Best for | Settling one knot or tight area | Covering a long muscle before detail work |
What about wet cupping?
Wet cupping involves small cuts in the skin so that blood is drawn into the cup. We don't offer it. All of our cupping is dry, and we adjust the suction to you throughout.
Cupping therapy benefits: what the research says
Research on cupping is most encouraging for pain. The benefits people most often report are less muscle tightness and soreness, easier movement and pain relief.
For low back pain, a 2024 meta-analysis of 11 trials with 921 participants found cupping significantly improved pain over a two to eight week course. For neck pain, a 2018 review of 18 trials found less pain and better function than no treatment.
In athletes, a 2018 review of 11 trials with 498 participants reported improvements in pain, disability, range of motion and creatine kinase (a marker of muscle damage). The NCCIH also notes that cupping may help reduce pain.
We use cupping as one tool for tight, overworked tissue, and it works best as part of a plan that also manages your training load. Results vary from person to person.
Benefits people commonly report
- Less tightness in overworked muscle
- Less soreness after hard training
- Better range of motion
- Pain relief, especially in the back and neck
- A relaxed, lighter feeling afterwards
Cupping marks: what they are and how long they last
The round pink, red or purple marks are the most talked-about part of cupping. They appear because suction draws blood into the skin from tiny vessels near the surface. They aren't impact bruises, although the area can feel slightly tender or bruised for a day or so.
In our experience most marks fade within about five days. Darker marks over very tight tissue can take longer, and Cleveland Clinic notes they can take a week or two to clear completely.
Marks are expected and harmless for most people. If one blisters, stays painful or doesn't fade, let us know.
Got an event coming up?
If you have a race, a wedding, a photoshoot or a beach weekend ahead, tell us at the start of your visit. We can place cups where they won't show, lighten the suction, or choose a different technique for now.
Who it's for
Athletes and active people with tight, overworked muscle. We screen everyone first.
Athletes we see most
Commonly used for
- Calf, Achilles and plantar fascia tightness
- Recovery from heavy running mileage
- Hamstring and quad overuse
- IT band and outer knee tension
- Low back and hip tightness
- Neck and upper trap tension from desk work
- Shoulder tightness in swimmers, climbers and throwers
- Soreness after races and big training weeks
Your first cupping session
What happens, how it feels, and what to expect afterwards.
Intake
We ask about your training, the area that's bothering you and your injury history, plus anything that affects safety, like blood thinners, skin conditions or pregnancy.
Cups on
Most people feel a firm pull or stretch, not pain. Moving cups over a very tight spot can feel intense for a few seconds. Tell us and we'll ease the suction.
Treatment time
Cups usually stay on for several minutes. Cupping is often part of an acupuncture, dry needling or massage visit rather than a separate appointment.
Afterwards
Drink water, keep the area warm and move gently. How many sessions you need varies, and we'll give you an estimate after your assessment.
Cupping alongside acupuncture, needling and massage
Every practitioner here is a California-licensed acupuncturist, so cupping is one tool in a bigger plan, chosen after your assessment.
- Sports acupunctureTo calm pain and support recovery, often with cups on the tight muscle nearby.
- Dry needlingReleases a stubborn trigger point; cupping then helps the surrounding tissue relax.
- Sports massageMoving cups cover big areas like the back and hamstrings, leaving more time for detail work.
- Cold laserLow-level laser, commonly used for tendons and slow-healing soft tissue.
Andrew Castellanos
L.Ac, CST · Clinic owner
Sports injuries, performance and post-surgical recovery.
Read Andrew's bio
Is cupping safe?
In trained hands, cupping is generally considered low risk. The common side effects are the marks themselves and mild soreness. Some people feel tired afterwards or get a headache.
Rarer problems include burns, skin infection, scarring and lasting discoloration, which is one good reason to see a licensed practitioner. All three of our practitioners are California-licensed acupuncturists. You can read about them on our team page.
We screen everyone at intake. If cupping isn't right for you, we'll adapt the treatment or suggest something else.
Cupping may not be right if you
- Are pregnant (tell us and we'll adapt your treatment)
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Have anemia
- Have a pacemaker or a heart condition
- Have a seizure disorder
- Have eczema, psoriasis, sunburn or broken skin in the area
Pricing and booking
Cupping is usually part of an acupuncture or combo visit. Book the appointment that fits, and your practitioner will decide during the visit whether cupping suits your injury.
We don't bill insurance, but we provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards, and gift certificates are available. Not sure what you need? Browse all our services or give us a call.
Appointments
- 60-min initial acupuncture & assessment
- $225
- 45-min acupuncture follow-up
- $195
- 60-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $225
- 75-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $265
- 90-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $300
Cupping therapy FAQ
What are the benefits of cupping therapy?
People most often report less muscle tightness and soreness, better range of motion and pain relief. Reviews have found improvements in low back and neck pain and, in athletes, in pain, range of motion and a marker of muscle damage. Results vary from person to person, and we'll estimate how many sessions you need after your assessment.
Does cupping hurt?
Most people feel a firm pull or stretch rather than pain. Moving cups over very tight tissue can feel intense for a few seconds. Tell your practitioner and we'll reduce the suction. The area can feel slightly tender for a day or so afterwards.
How long do cupping marks last, and are they bruises?
The round marks come from suction drawing blood into the skin, not from an impact. Most fade within about five days, though darker marks can take a week or two. If you have a race, wedding or photoshoot coming up, tell us and we'll place or lighten the cups accordingly.
What's the difference between static and moving cupping?
In static cupping, the cups stay in one place for several minutes. In moving cupping, oil is applied first and the cup glides along the muscle, which feels more like a slow, deep massage stroke. Many sessions use both.
Is cupping good for runners and other athletes?
It's commonly used for calves, hamstrings, IT bands, backs and shoulders, both for recovery after hard training and for mobility when an area feels stuck. A review of trials in athletes reported benefits for pain and range of motion.
Can I combine cupping with acupuncture or massage?
Yes. Most of our cupping happens within an acupuncture, dry needling or massage appointment, so the tissue is treated from more than one angle in a single visit.
How often should I get cupping?
It depends on your injury, how long you've had it and your training load. We'll give you an estimate after your first assessment rather than selling a fixed package.
Who should not get cupping?
Cupping may not be suitable if you're pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, anemia, a pacemaker, a heart condition or a seizure disorder, or have eczema, psoriasis, sunburn or broken skin in the area. Tell us about any health conditions at intake and we'll adapt your treatment or suggest an alternative.
Can I work out after cupping?
Light movement the same day is fine and can help. If the area feels tender, save hard efforts for the next day, and drink plenty of water.
How much does cupping cost in San Francisco?
At our clinic, cupping is usually part of an acupuncture or combo visit. A 60-minute initial acupuncture and assessment is $225, a 45-minute follow-up is $195, and a 60-minute acupuncture/massage combo is $225. We provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement and accept HSA and FSA cards.
Where can I get cupping therapy in San Francisco?
We offer sports cupping at 2920 Webster Street in Cow Hollow, between Union and Filbert. Clinic owner Andrew Castellanos includes cupping among his sports techniques, for tight muscles, nagging injuries and recovery between training days, often alongside acupuncture or massage.
How do I find the entrance?
Look for 2920 Webster Street, one block north of Union Street. Enter the gate code from your booking confirmation email at the street gate and come in. Wear or bring loose clothing so we can reach your back, shoulders or legs easily.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Cupping Therapy.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Cupping.
- Bridgett R, et al. Effects of cupping therapy in amateur and professional athletes: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2018.
- Kim S, et al. Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2018.
- Zhang Z, et al. The effectiveness of cupping therapy on low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Complement Ther Med. 2024.
Ready to loosen up and recover?
Book cupping with acupuncture at our Cow Hollow clinic, or call us with questions first.
Visit us in Cow Hollow
2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. A short walk from the Marina, Pacific Heights and the Presidio.
Address
Acupuncture for Athletics2920 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94123 Gate code: in your booking confirmation email
Hours
- Every day
- 7:30am – 9:00pm