Cupping & Graston Therapies at
Fixen Chiropractic

Soft tissue health plays a major role in how the body moves, recovers, and feels day to day. At Fixen Chiropractic in Marshall, MN, we offer both cupping therapy and Graston as part of personalized care plans designed to support mobility, circulation, and recovery.

We proudly provide these services to patients from Marshall, Slayton, Minneota, Wabasso, and surrounding Southwest Minnesota communities, tailoring each session to individual needs, comfort levels, and activity demands.

What Are Soft Tissue Therapies?

Soft tissue therapies focus on muscles, fascia, tendons, and connective tissue that can become tight, restricted, or stressed due to posture, repetitive use, injury, or physical activity. Cupping therapy and Graston are commonly used to support tissue mobility, circulation, and movement efficiency.

These therapies are often used alongside chiropractic adjustments to help prepare tissues for movement and support recovery afterward.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy uses specialized cups placed on the skin to create gentle suction. This suction lifts and decompresses soft tissues, helping support circulation and tissue mobility.

Many patients appreciate cupping because it works by lifting tissue rather than pressing down, which can feel different from traditional massage or manual pressure techniques.

Cupping therapy is commonly used to support:

Muscle tightness and tension
Post-workout or activity-related soreness
Restricted mobility or stiffness
Chronic soft tissue tension
Stress-related muscle discomfort
Athletic recovery and overuse strain

Types of Cupping Therapy:

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Stationary Cupping: The cups are placed onto the skin and left in one one location for the duration of the therapy.

Sliding Cupping: Following the placement of the cups onto the area of discomfort, the doctor glides the cup over the muscle fibers. The cup can be moved with the muscle fibers or against the muscle fiber depending on the needs of the patient.

Dynamic Cupping: Following the placement of the cups onto the area of discomfort, the cups remain stationary and the doctor walks you through several movements to assist with the tissue mobilization.

Needling Cupping: Stationary cups are applied with acupuncture or dry needling to assist with directed affects.

Have Questions about Acupuncture or Dry Needling?

Graston Therapy

Graston is a soft tissue technique that uses specialized instruments to assess and treat areas of muscle and fascial restriction. The instruments allow your chiropractor to identify areas of tension, adhesions, or limited movement and apply targeted treatment.

Graston is often chosen when more focused, localized soft tissue work is appropriate.

Graston is commonly used to support:

Chronic muscle or tendon tension
Plantar fasciitis
Shoulder and neck tension
Hip, knee, or elbow discomfort
Repetitive strain or overuse patterns
Post-injury or post-surgical soft tissue recovery

This technique is precise, effective, and adapted to individual tolerance and tissue response.

Cupping vs. Graston: What’s the Difference?

Both therapies support soft tissue health, but they work in different ways:

Cupping therapy lifts and decompresses tissue using suction, often supporting circulation and relaxation
Graston applies targeted pressure using instruments to address specific areas of restriction

In many cases, these therapies are used together within a care plan to support mobility, recovery, and movement quality.

How These Therapies Complement Chiropractic Care

Soft tissue restrictions can influence how joints move and how the body responds to activity. By addressing muscle and fascial tension with cupping therapy or Graston, chiropractic adjustments and movement-based care may feel more effective and comfortable.

Our chiropractors often incorporate these therapies to:

Prepare tissues before adjustments
Support recovery after activity or injury
Improve movement patterns and flexibility
Enhance overall comfort during care

What to Expect During Your Visit:

Your chiropractor will review your concerns, explain recommended therapies, and answer any questions before treatment begins. Communication is encouraged throughout your session to ensure comfort.

Patients often describe: