Author, Expert Board Member
Bio:
Alex Stone is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA). He currently practices orthopedics in Bellevue, Washington, and manages an online health coaching business via social media (@dr.alexstone). He is passionate about health science education and general health/wellness optimization.
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ByLuke Deszczulka
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We’ve tried the Therabody Theracup and are now ready to share our experience with you!
Perhaps we will compare it to another smart cupping massage or not in this TheraCup Review.
But is the TheraCup the first smart cupping device? Not really. We reviewed the Smart Cupper by Achedaway in November 2021.
| Features | TheraCup |
|---|---|
| Pros | High Quality Powerful suction Heating and Vibrations built-in Compact and Lightweight Reasonable Price HSA | FSA accepted |
| Cons | No Bluetooth or App Control |
| Warranty | One year |
| Retail Price | $159.00 Therabody Theracup cupping single |
| Where to Buy | Here at therabody.com |
Therabody had a very busy 2022. They released 8 new products—the most in a year. What were those? Did we review them? Perhaps not all of them, but we’ve mentioned some, and we will address them eventually.
We enjoyed reviewing their massage guns (Theragun Pro 5th Gen and Theragun Mini), but today, in this review, we’ll discuss their smart cupping massage – the TheraCup. We’ll see how it performed during our tests.
If you were among the people who were taken aback by Michael Phelps’s “gory-looking” marks on his back at the Olympics in Rio 2016, you are probably already familiar with fire cup treatment.
The medical name for cupping is myofascial decompression.
How does fire cupping work?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese treatment that loosens the fascia around muscles. It is sort of the reverse of massage therapy, which works by pulling on the skin rather than pressing against it.
Multiple fire cupping cups are placed on the patient’s back, shoulders, or neck and left for a short while.
If you don’t know what fascia is, it’s the connective tissue that holds muscles to the skin. The fascia tends to stiffen when the muscle is overworked (from exercise) or underworked (from a sedentary lifestyle).
A cupping therapy massager can help release the pressure within these connective tissues.
There is a reason celebrity athletes love flame cupping. They are top-level performers who need to be in tip-top form to do what they do best. In addition to Phelps, we saw Conor McGregor with cupping marks early in 2023.
We’ve also seen peculiar fire cupping marks on NBA players like Stephen Curry, Steven Adams, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. We also saw former New England Patriots linebacker James Harrison using fire cupping therapy as part of his recovery routine.
This tells you just how popular (and definitely effective) flame cupping is.
These are just a few areas where people have reported relief after a fire cup treatment. But there are more proven benefits (backed by scientific studies) of hot cupping, including;
You can also check out more about cupping at home in our review of the Achedaway Cupper.
There are different types of cupping techniques used today. Some may be new due to advancements in technology, but others are as old as the treatment itself. Let us look at some of them.
This method uses negative pressure. One example is when a flame is lit inside the cup to suck out the oxygen. The hot cup is then quickly placed on the skin, creating a vacuum.
Another non-flame method (also known as negative pressure) involves using glass suction cups; a pump is attached to the cup, which sucks the air out.
This method incorporates both negative pressure and movements. It can take different forms.
For example, you can use rubber cuppers that create weak suction, allowing you to glide the cup over the skin (which is usually oiled).
You can also get smart cupped using more advanced therapy cuppers that dynamically change pressure. The Achedaway Cupper utilizes this technique.
All these methods represent a type of cupping known as “dry cupping massage.” This type of cupping is non-aggressive. There is also “Wet Cupping,” where incisions are made over the Dry Cupping areas, and new cups are placed over the cuttings.
The TheraCup promises therapy cupping via suction combined with heat to create a versatile, portable smart cupping device.
However, it’s not just the heat and the suction; they have added vibrations for soothing massages or to enhance tissue tension release.
Theoretically, it appears to be a robust Therabody fire cupping massage without the fire — but is it?
TheraCup single: Price ->:
| Features | TheraCup |
|---|---|
| Suction Intensity | 3 levels: 30 kPa, 40 kPa, 50 kPa |
| Heat Levels | 3 levels: 41°C (106°F), 43°C (109°F), 45°C (113°F) |
| Vibrations | 3 levels: 1800 / 2400 / 3000 RPM |
| Battery Life | up to 120 min |
| Cup Attachments | 3 |
| Weight | 8 ounces (228 grams) |
| Dimensions | 3.7×3.7×2.83 inches |
| Pros | High Quality Powerful suction Heating and Vibrations built-in Compact and Lightweight Reasonable Price HSA | FSA accepted |
| Cons | No Bluetooth or App Control |
| Warranty | One year |
| Retail Price | $159.00 Therabody theracup cupping single |
| Where to Buy | Here at therabody.com |
Therabody Theracup comes in a tiny package—a box measuring 6 x 6 inches. We noticed Therabody’s new approach to packaging, which reduces plastic usage.
The “smart cupped” comes in a neoprene carrying pouch. Everything is inside.
The Theracup already has a cup attached to it.
There are two extra glass suction cups, each in a different size. They have the same height and outer diameter (OD), but each heat cup has a different inside diameter. These glass suction cups are meant to work on other muscles.
The glass suction cups’ inner diameters (plastic cups, by the way) are as follows:
In addition to the Theracup and the suction cups, the smart cupping device comes with a USB-C cable for charging and a basic manual in different languages.
The Theracup cupping is very compact: 4 inches tall and 2.3 inches wide with the cup mounted. It’s also very light, weighing 8 ounces (228 grams) according to our scale. It has a quality feel, as you’d expect from Therabody.
The glass suction cups are made of transparent, tinted acrylic plastic, but they have a sleek appearance with nice, rounded edges. The Theracup feels pleasant to the touch, and although it’s mostly plastic, it features rubber around its edges for improved suction.
Therabody took a simple, minimalist approach here—nothing feels overdone. The blue rubber ring on top adds to the overall visual appeal.
Our Take:
We appreciate the compact design of the TheraCup. Its quality is great, and we feel it will serve us for a while. What’s even better, it doesn’t look fragile. When we first got the Achedaway Cupper, we feared what might happen if we dropped it. The Therabody TheraCup feels sturdy.
However, we missed a few things that the Achedaway Cupper provided. For instance, we missed the lanyard. The lanyard would’ve been great for keeping the Theracup in place and preventing it from falling when it automatically turns off (this may happen when the glass suction cups are on your back).
The TheraCup is taller than the Achedaway Cupper, which doesn’t help keep it from sticking to the body at different angles.
That said, we still like what we see with this smart cupping massage device. We just wish they had added a few more accessories. It’s not just the lanyard; we’d hoped they’d include a sample of their CBD-based lotion.
Here’s how to use this essential device that replaces fire cup treatment:
Therabody promises three therapies in one smart cupping device:
How does cup therapy work? Let’s see it…
You’re probably wondering, how well does this Theracup smart cupping device perform? To give a straight answer, we’d say it performs pretty well. Here’s how the suction works.
As we saw above, there are three suction levels.
What’s with the numbers? Do they mean anything?
Simply put, TheraCup produces a pretty powerful suction. Even at the first level, the suction is robust. Once you’ve hooked it onto your body, there is no chance the glass suction cups will fall off.
The highest suction level can be pretty intense for ordinary folks. Unless you are a demanding user, we advise sticking to the first two levels.
But can you do a gliding cupping massage with the TheraCup?
Yes, we tried gliding the cup on the skin, but it’s quite a hassle. The suction pressure is quite high, even at the first level, allowing the cup to glide smoothly.
However, when we applied oil to the area, the process was still sticky; however, we had better success with a gliding cupping massage.
TIP: Just a heads up, it feels slightly painful to force-glide the Therabody cupping on the skin.
But we know people who love gliding the cup along the application area. Ladies, in particular, love cupping therapy for cellulite. In that case, we believe there is room for an upgrade here—perhaps even a new cellulite cupping treatment (e.g., Theracup cellulite) with the same concept but with slightly less suction, allowing for a gliding cupping massage.
The heating setting has three levels:
When the skin gets sucked into the Theracups, it touches the ceramic lining inside the hot cupper, which gets warm. It heats up pretty quickly, too – it takes about 10 to 20 seconds.
The feeling is fantastic – we have to praise Therabody’s execution here.
But the heating isn’t just to warm and keep you comfortable; it greatly affects the hot cupping process. Heating hastens the loosening of the fascia in the muscle and boosts blood flow to the tissues.
The combination of cupping and heating brings back the good fire cup treatment. Unlike the Achedaway Cupper, the Therabody TheraCup doesn’t utilize red light therapy, but the heating component works great.
Vibrations also enhance the effectiveness of fire cupping massage without the fire component. They penetrate deep into the tissue and help relieve tension.
However, for even better effectiveness, you’d need high-tempo vibrations, which TheraCup doesn’t seem to have. Granted, the manual advertises 1800 to 3000 shakes per minute, but the vibrations are gentle (even on the third setting). They are not quite as effective as the suction-cupping with heat combo.
We assume Therabody only included the vibrations to provide soothing massages and help you relax.
But maybe they really did want the vibrations to increase the intensity of the hot cupping. If so, why make the vibrations so gentle?
If that’s the case, we believe the intensity is lost along the glass suction cup. The vibrations must travel from the top to the bottom, where the acrylic cup comes into contact with your skin. We are guessing that’s where the vibrations may be absorbed.
Our Take:
This is definitely a different smart cupping device from the Achedaway Cupper we reviewed earlier. It’s not as robust as Achedaway’s concept, but we’ll give credit where it’s due; it’s a well-thought-out device.
Although it doesn’t have dynamic suction or red-light therapy, it does what it’s meant to do well. The strong suction and the hot cupping stand out. It’s well-suited for sports recovery and routine body care.
The vibrations aren’t strong enough to significantly impact the therapy, but they do provide a soothing sensation, which is nice.
The number of safety features Therabody chose to include here is impressive.
They include:
Well, this may be somewhat surprising, but Achedaway beats Therabody here. TheraCup doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
The Achedaway Cupper has an app that enables you to control the smart cupping device, which is handy when using it on your back.
Let’s hope Therabody thinks about connectivity for future TheraCup iterations.
We don’t know the battery’s capacity, but the device can last 120 minutes on a full charge.
However, if you use high-level suction and too much heat, you might not get enough juice for two hours. Even so, the treatment per spot takes only a few minutes, and two hours will be enough to treat a large area.
Kudos to Therabody for making this a USB-C charging device. You can charge it using a power bank. We’re assuming there isn’t too much juice because it takes 1-2 hours to fully charge the device.
The charge indicator is simple. It lights
The light flashes when charging and turns solid green when the battery is fully charged.
Cleaning is not an issue. The Thera Cups’ shape makes them easy to clean, and they are also removable.
Use a clean cloth or alcohol-free cleansing wipe to gently wipe down the device and attachments. Do not submerge the TheraCup in soap and water, as it is not waterproof. Before storing, make sure all components are dry to prevent moisture damage.
A TheraCup single costs $159, a TheraCup 2-pack costs $279, and a TheraCup 6-pack costs $799. We believe the price is fair for what you’re getting.
You can save a few bucks using the X8YZF10 promo code at checkout. This coupon only works at therabody.com.
The TheraCup comes with a 1-year warranty, providing 90 days’ coverage for the acrylic cups.
But you can’t put it past Therabody to charge exorbitantly for their devices. The competition offers similar smart cupping massage but at fair prices. You can check the alternative below.
The Achedaway Cupper is the only viable alternative to the Therabody TheraCup that we know of. It’s a proven smart cupping device that has been on the market since 2021 and has received many positive reviews, including ours.
Let’s clash it with the new TheraBody Cup device:
The Achedaway Cupper is flatter and shorter. Its large cups help it stick better to the body vertically (relative to the ground, for instance, when you put it on your back while standing).
However, TheraCup’s smallest cup is excellent for use on smaller muscles.
It offers a slightly different proposition than the TheraCup. In our opinion, it is somewhat more robust.
The suction is dynamic, which means the pressure fluctuates to move the skin up and down. This effectively increases blood supply to the tissues and helps to eliminate toxins more quickly. The TheraCup can’t do this.
Instead of direct heat, it utilizes red-light therapy, which has proven benefits but doesn’t vibrate.
The Achedaway Cupper has a broader range, from 20 kPa to 60 kPa, and can be adjusted up to 5 levels. This makes it stronger at higher levels.
Theoretically, we believe it should be easier to glide the TheraCup than the Achedaway Cupper. Since the strong suction hinders gliding, and the Cupper is stronger, moving it along the body might be harder. Practically, though, it feels about the same as the TheraCup.
The Achedaway Cupper can be controlled via an app and has a lanyard, making it easier to use than the TheraCup.
The battery seems to last longer than the one in the Therabody TheraCup. It has a capacity of 1800 mAh and lasts 2-3 hours. Even so, the Achedaway Cupper is lighter than the TheraCup—it weighs 215 grams.
The prices are similar. Use the MGA25 code to get $25 off, which includes a one-year warranty.
After testing it ourselves, it suffices to say that this is an excellent smart cupped device from a trusted brand. We are totally sold on the suction-heat combo (sprinkle in the vibrations to relax).
It’s not just a gadget you buy to try out; it does what it claims to do. It’s a great choice for amateur and professional athletes, physiotherapists, and physios, and it is also reasonably priced.
We are glad the Achedaway Smart Cupper has competition now. We hope this drives prices down further. Even so, they are reasonably priced. Plus, you’re getting them from top brands.
Our Take:
Both are excellent options for fire cup treatment without the fire element.
The Achedaway Cupper’s killer feature is the dynamic suction. It’s also slightly more robust than TheraCup and has better equipment and accessories (including an App).
However, the heat component of the TheraCup also stands out.
It’s tough to pick a clear winner here. Depending on how you want your treatment to feel, either smart cupped device can be the winner. We recommend trying both if possible. It’s a draw!
Until next time!
Summary
The Therabody TheraCup is an excellent smart cupping massager with a lot to offer. It certainly offers competition to the already thriving Achedaway Cupper. The suction-heat combo makes it unique. The price point is attractive, and the overall quality is top-notch.
Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese treatment that uses pulling on the skin rather than pressing against it to loosen the fascia around the muscles.
It helps muscle recovery by releasing pressure within the connective tissues and promoting blood flow.
Cupping therapy is recognized for its numerous health benefits. It can help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, lower cholesterol levels, and treat skin conditions like acne and shingles.
Additionally, suction cup therapy is beneficial for relieving muscle tension, improving sports recovery, and managing chronic pain. Many people find it effective in alleviating lower back pain and even reducing heavy metal levels in the blood.
These benefits have been reported by users and supported by scientific studies, making cupping a valuable therapy for promoting overall well-being and muscle recovery.
Cupping therapy might have a few drawbacks/side effects. For starters, it can leave marks on your skin that take time to fade or even cause scarring. If not done correctly, it may result in burns, infections, or exacerbation of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Some rare but severe side effects include bleeding in the head after scalp cupping or anemia from blood loss after multiple wet cupping sessions.
Additionally, people may experience pain or discomfort during the procedure, which may not be effective for everyone or every condition. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Cupping therapy may feel a bit unusual at first, but it’s typically not painful. When you’re getting it done, it kinda feels like your skin is being pulled or tugged on, but most people can handle it just fine.
You may end up with funky-looking bruises or marks on your skin afterward, but they typically fade quickly and shouldn’t cause too much discomfort. Make sure to discuss your feelings with your therapist during the session and let them know how you’re feeling, so they can make any necessary adjustments. No worries—it’s all part of the experience!
After a cupping session, it’s best to avoid showering for a few hours. Your skin has been through some changes during the treatment, such as being pulled and stretched, and the pores are a bit more open than usual.
If you hop into a hot shower right after, it might irritate your skin or cause the marks to take longer to heal. Additionally, your body’s still working to eliminate toxins that the cupping helped to move around. Allowing a little time before getting wet helps the process and keeps your skin healthy.
Here's a quick rundown of all the tweaks and edits we've made to this article to keep it accurate and up-to-date!
Current version.
April 20, 2025: An informative FAQ section was added, offering clear answers to the most common cupping therapy questions. (Author: Greg)
November 26, 2024: Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Stone, DPT, CSCS.
November 7, 2024: Minor linking fixes. (Author: Greg)
Published on:
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Written by:
Luke Deszczulka
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