When muscle fibers are damaged from a strain or overuse they become inflamed and painful. This limits the muscles ability to contract and lengthen freely reducing mobility. The suction with cupping lifts the connective tissue, allowing the muscle to “breathe.” When the muscle fibers lift, oxygenated blood moves more easily through the tissue. It also moves inflammation out of the body. This breathing lengthens the muscle, and moving the inflammation out allows the muscle to work normally. It can also break up scar tissue which allows movement as well.