Cupping
Decompress.
Let the blood flow.
Suction cups lift and decompress the tissue that stays tight no matter how much you stretch, pulling fresh blood through it. Steven brings it to your home, gym or club.
Book a session+0
Sessions delivered
+0
Athletes treated
+0
Mobile, we come to you
Why Stronghold
Recovery is
the real work
Cupping is not a gimmick, it is decompression. Where massage presses down, cupping lifts the tissue away, opening up the tight layers underneath and drawing blood through stubborn, congested spots.
Steven reads where you are holding it and places the cups to match, not a fixed pattern. He explains the marks, what they mean, and how it fits with the rest of your recovery. Honest and clear.
What's involved
Every session starts with a quick read of how you are moving and where you are holding tension, then the hands-on work, then a few things to take away. Here is roughly how it runs.
Ask about a sessionThe hands-on work
Assessment
Mobility & stretch
Recovery that actually lands
Less tension, better movement, and back to training sooner. That is the whole point.
Cupping
Decompression
that lifts
Cupping is the opposite of pressing in. Steven places suction cups on the skin to lift and decompress the tissue underneath, drawing fresh blood through tight, congested areas that massage alone can struggle to reach. It is one of the oldest recovery tools there is, and it still earns its place.
The two ways Steven uses it
- Static cupping, cups left in place over a tight area to decompress and pull blood through it
- Dynamic cupping, cups glided along the muscle with oil, like a massage in reverse
What it helps with
- Stubborn knots that will not let go under hands alone
- Restricted, achy areas and trigger points
- Blood flow and recovery through overused muscle
- Tightness across the back, shoulders, legs and IT band
Who it is for
Anyone carrying tight, congested muscle, athletes mid-season, manual workers, and the desk-bound shoulders and necks most of us recognise. It pairs naturally with sports massage in the same session.
Deep tissue
Because tight muscles
cost you performance.
+0
Would rebook
+0
Faster recovery
Deep, slow work through the big muscle groups to break down knots and get blood moving through tired tissue. Firm at the time, loose and easy afterwards.
Cupping & IASTM
Because the tight spots
hide where hands miss.
+0
Sessions logged
+0
Minutes hands-on
When hands alone cannot reach it, cupping and IASTM tools lift and free the stubborn adhesions that keep pulling you tight. They slot into the same session wherever they help most.
Testimonials
Because claims
prove nothing.
+0
Rebook rate
+0
Would recommend
Turned up on time, knew exactly what he was doing, and had me moving better the same week.
Assisted stretch
Because range is
where power lives.
+0
More range
+0
Guided each session
Guided, hands-on stretching to open up the joints and lengthen tight tissue, so you move through a fuller range and get more out of every session.
Sauna & cold plunge
Heat, then cold.
The full reset.
Heat to loosen everything off, then cold to bring it back down. Steven sets up the sauna and plunge wherever you are and times the rounds.
Your session
What to expect,
and the marks
Steven brings everything to you. He will usually warm the area with a few minutes of hands-on work, then apply the cups, static or moving, for a few minutes at a time. It feels like a firm pull rather than a press, and most people find it relieving.
About the circular marks
Cupping can leave round, coloured marks for a few days. These are not bruises and they are not painful, they are simply blood drawn to the surface, and they fade on their own within two to seven days. If you have an event, holiday or photos coming up, tell Steven and he will place the cups with that in mind.
Afterwards
Drink plenty of water, keep the area warm, and take it easy for the rest of the day. A little tenderness is normal. Avoid very hot baths or a hard training session straight after.
When it is not suitable
Cupping is not used over broken skin, fresh injuries, infections, or for some medical conditions and during pregnancy without care. Mention anything relevant when you book and Steven will advise honestly, or simply use another technique that suits you better.
The work
What cupping looks like
Pricing
Simple, honest pricing
Within a massage
On request
Cupping focus
On request
Block of 5
On request
Prices depend on the treatment and whether it is a one-off or a block. Message or call Steven for a straight price, there is no obligation.
FAQ
Common questions
Does cupping hurt?
No. It feels like a firm pull on the skin rather than a press, and most people find it oddly relieving. Steven adjusts the suction to what is comfortable for you.
Will it leave bruises?
It can leave round, coloured marks for a few days, but these are not bruises and they are not painful. They are blood drawn to the surface and they fade on their own.
How long do the marks last?
Usually two to seven days, depending on how tight the area was. If you have an event or photos coming up, tell Steven and he will place the cups accordingly.
Can it be done with a sports massage?
Yes. Cupping pairs naturally with sports massage and Steven often uses both in one session, warming the area by hand first, then applying the cups where they help most.
Is cupping safe?
For most people, yes. It is avoided over broken skin, fresh injuries, infections, and for some medical conditions or during pregnancy without care. Tell Steven anything relevant when you book.
Do I need to provide anything?
No. Steven is mobile and brings the cups and everything else. You just need a clear bit of floor about two metres by three.
Steven Mills
Ready when you are.
Call or message and Steven gets straight back to you. No automated nonsense, no pushy sales, just a straight answer.