RockPods are our version of cupping. They are medical grade silicone cups that come in 2 sizes. Each set of RockPods has 4 large and 4 small cups and come in a convenient carry case and includes a quick start guide.
Cupping creates a decompressive force in the tissues immediately under the cup, with a compressive force created around the rim of the cup. This lifting of the tissues can be a different stimulus to the tissues and the nervous system and for some people can be a relaxing way of treating tight or sore areas. The decompressive effect is greater than that generated by RockTape but the two modalities are essentially treating the same way.
Traditionally, cupping was done with glass cups. These are heated over a flame and then quickly applied to the body part to create the suction effect. More recently, cupping sets have become plastic cups with a one way valve at the top of the cup, with a hand operated vacuum pump generating the suction pressure. The reliance on the vacuum pump can be problematic in a clinic with multiple treatment rooms when trying to locate the pump. The RockPods utilise an in built suction system you can use the plunger on the top of the RockPod to press down and generate a moderate level of suction, or the cup can be inverted on itself, placed over the target tissue and the edges of the cup rolled into contact with the skin this creates a significantly higher level of suction. These two levels of suction allow the user to progress from a lighter suction force to a greater suction force if necessitated, but allows a lighter level of suction to be tried first. This is in keeping with our philosophy “ess is more, start with less and only progress to more if required.
The silicone pods are also easier to travel with as they are not breakable, eliminate the need to carry the vacuum pump and come with a much more compact carrying case.
We are a movement company so the RockPods are designed with movement in mind. Whilst on the skin the RockPods can be moved whilst they grip the tissue underneath we call this an external glide as the glide is being produced by external forces e.g. the therapist using the plunger as a handle to manipulate the tissue in any direction. Or the RockPods can be left still and the body part they are attached to taken through various range of movement we call this an internal glide as the glide is produced by the body either active or passive movement is OK whilst the RockPod on the skin creates suction and limits the movement of that tissue.