Circular marks on swimmers’ backs: what do they mean?

Curiosities about Swimmers and Cupping Therapy

With the Olympics, even those who are not athletes or die-hard fans get close to sports disciplines, especially swimming, which has always been a source of pride for Italians.
Curiosities are rampant among the public, unaware of the dynamics and customs of the sports world.
One particular question has been spreading among spectators in these days: what are the circular marks on swimmers’ backs?

The circular marks seen on swimmers’ backs are the normal result of cupping therapy, a practice derived from Eastern alternative medicine that promises to relieve pain and loosen muscle tension.
This technique, also known as cupping, is increasingly popular even among the general public.

What is Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy involves the application of cups on the skin, creating suction and warmth.
By removing oxygen from inside the cup, usually through heat, the skin is pulled upward, stimulating blood circulation and providing pain relief and muscle relaxation.

The practice of cupping is not widely recognized by traditional medicine but is still under research.
The World Health Organization considers it a complementary treatment to traditional therapies in pain management, alongside acupuncture.

Benefits and Application

Cupping therapy for athletes aims to reduce muscle tissue pain but can also address various issues such as fluid retention, skin diseases, respiratory problems, and even mood disorders.
While the traditional Chinese belief attributes additional benefits to cupping, scientifically, the main proven benefits remain pain relief.

Athletes, including swimmers, often turn to alternative practices like cupping to cope with the physical strain of their careers.
It provides relief and pain management in a non-invasive way, supporting their traditional treatments.

Swimmers, in particular, benefit from cupping therapy as it aids in muscle recovery after intense competitions and training sessions, promotes circulation, mobility, and reduces pain without the risk of muscle injuries.
The back, being one of the most strained areas for a professional swimmer, responds well to cupping therapy.