Tested: Therabody Theracup

If you're feeling tight and want to loosen up those troubled areas, the Therabody Theracup is certainly worth a try.

COST: $199.

TESTED BY: Jimmy Emanuel, Golf Australia Deputy & Digital Editor.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Cupping. You’ve probably heard about the therapeutic practice, or seen photos of people with red circles marking their backs after receiving it.

And while it is reasonable to be sceptical, the value of cupping therapy is a proven one and there is no easier way to utilise it than the ultra-portable TheraCup.

Made by the creators of the Theragun previously reviewed in these pages, this handheld device has a range of applications and intensity levels for optimal treatment for each person and can easily be thrown in any bag when hitting the road.

The first impression of the product was just how conveniently sized it is and easy to use the TheraCup is. Straight out of the box, after reading the instructions of course, you are ready to start cupping. And the process couldn’t be easier.

HOW IT PERFORMED: Using the TheraCup on some trouble spots that are inevitably tight from either playing golf, or sitting at a computer, again the application was simple and straight away you could feel the product going to work.

The heating function on tight muscles helps to loosen them up instantly, so too does the vibration help in this regard.

However, the hero function is the suction that creates the “cupping” and while the first use is a slightly odd sensation, and a full treatment will leave some bruising, this is a genuine reliever of tight and sore muscles.

Using the TheraCup as a recovery tool, but also to prepare before going to play golf, my muscles and body generally in the areas used have rarely felt better.

The assistance on tight and sore spots is almost immediate, and it gets better and better as time goes on. Sure, reaching around to apply it to your own back can be tricky, but with the three different sized cups, this can be used anywhere on the body.

I was tentative about cupping, let alone doing so to myself. However, with the instructions offered by Therabody and the safety features, any trepidations I had quickly passed, especially once the benefits became clear.

If you struggle with any soreness and tightness, cupping and specifically the TheraCup are worth a try. And if you travel a lot like me, it fits perfectly in your bag to alleviate those aches and pains of flying, or particularly a golf heavy trip where rounds three and four feel like you’ve gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson before you get to the 1st tee.

THERABODY SAYS: The new TheraCup is the perfect device to receive enhanced cupping therapy from the field or at home. Whether you need to recover from a training session or prep for an event, the TheraCup has been designed to deliver safe suction, heat, and vibration in a compact and portable device, without the assistance of a professional.

Key features include:

• Suction decompression with three intensity levels;

• Heat therapy with three intensity levels;

• Vibration therapy with three intensity levels;

• Three interchangeable transparent cups;

• Built in safeguards;

• Auto shutoff after three minutes of continual usage;

• Internal pressure detection with auto shutoff;

• High intensity suction warning when selecting highest suction level prior to treatment initiation;

• LED power indicator;

• 120-minute battery life with USB-C fast charging;

• Portable and lightweight.