
Myofascial cupping in Calgary
Myofascial cupping uses negative pressure to gently lift and separate the layers of fascia, improving range of motion, releasing muscle tension and reducing restrictive, sometimes painful fascial adhesions. It enhances circulation, promotes deep tissue hydration and supports injury recovery, which makes it a favourite of athletes and anyone with chronic tension. Several of our Registered Massage Therapists are trained in the Myofascial Cupping Technique, and Will Tanner also offers traditional fire cupping.
How myofascial cupping works
Where massage compresses tissue, cupping decompresses it. Cups create suction that lifts skin and fascia away from the muscle beneath, breaking up adhesions and drawing fresh blood into the area. Cups may be left in place or glided across the tissue, and the technique pairs naturally with massage in the same session.
- Maintains and restores range of motion
- Eliminates myofascial trigger points
- Reduces restrictive and painful fascial adhesions
- Increases circulation and tissue hydration
- Supports injury recovery and athletic performance

Fire cupping with Will Tanner
Fire cupping is the traditional form: a flame briefly heats the air inside a glass cup before it is placed on the skin, creating suction as the air cools. Will is one of the few Registered Massage Therapists offering it in Calgary, and often combines it with acupuncture and massage.
Your practitioners
Who delivers myofascial cupping
Meeghan MackenzieFounder, Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Lymphedema TherapistBook with Meeghan
Dr. Will TannerRegistered Massage Therapist and AcupuncturistBook with Will
Sasha BernardRegistered Massage Therapist, TMJ and Prenatal Massage Therapist, Lymphatic TherapistBook with Sasha
Monica Von GazaRegistered Massage Therapist, Rapid NFR and Lymphatic Massage TherapistBook with Monica
From the Library
Questions and guides about myofascial cupping
AnswersCan massage break up muscle knots?Massage does not break anything up, because a muscle knot is not a lump to crush. It is a patch of muscle that will not relax, and massage helps it let go.
Self-careDesk set-up for neck and shoulder pain: a ten-minute fixKnees at or below the hips, lumbar support in the low back, elbows at 90 degrees by your sides, screen an arm away and below eye level, up every 50 minutes.
AnswersDoes massage help sore muscles after exercise?Yes, modestly. A meta-analysis of eleven trials found massage lowered post-exercise soreness at 24, 48 and 72 hours. It eases the ache, not the recovery.
AnswersHow long before a race should I get a sports massage?Not within 48 hours of the start. Experienced massage clients can book two to seven days out; first-timers should go several weeks before or wait until after.
AnswersIs a 60- or 90-minute massage better?60 minutes covers a full body or one area well; 90 adds a focus area or a second technique. Research favours regular 60-minute sessions over rare long ones.
AnswersIs bruising after a deep tissue massage normal?A small bruise or two after very firm work can happen, more so on blood thinners, but it is not the goal. Widespread bruising means too much pressure.
Does cupping leave marks?
Often, yes. The circular marks are not bruises; they are blood drawn to the surface and usually fade within a few days to a week. Your therapist can adjust suction if you would rather minimize them.
Is cupping painful?
Most people feel a strong pulling sensation rather than pain. Suction is adjusted to your comfort throughout.
Can cupping be combined with massage?
Yes. It is commonly woven into a massage session to address stubborn tension, and can be booked on its own for 30, 60 or 90 minutes.
Continue
Related treatments
Massage therapySwedish, deep tissue, sports and relaxation massage with Registered Massage Therapists. Sessions from 30 to 90 minutes.
AcupuncturePersonalized acupuncture with Dr. Will Tanner for pain relief, stress, nervous system regulation and recovery. Combine with massage or fire cupping.
TMJ massageTargeted jaw, neck and facial treatment for TMJ dysfunction, including intra-oral technique with Sasha Bernard.
Page reviewed September 19, 2026 by the Renu team

West Hillhurst, NW Calgary
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Book online in a minute, or call the clinic. New clients can begin with the 60-minute intro massage, which includes a complimentary infrared cocoon session.
200, 209 19 St NW · Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 8:30 pm · Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

