If you’ve ever spotted athletes or clients with small red or black silicone cups attached to their skin, you’ve probably seen RockPods in action. RockPods are a modern twist on traditional cupping therapy, designed by RockTape, and they’re becoming a popular tool in physiotherapy, recovery, and sports performance.
What Are RockPods?
RockPods are silicone-based cups that use simple suction to lift the skin and underlying tissues. Unlike traditional cupping (which often uses heat or glass cups), RockPods are easy to apply and can be used during movement, making them a versatile tool for both treatment and active recovery.
How Do They Work?
RockPods use decompression instead of compression. This gentle lifting effect can:
- Improve circulation and blood flow
- Release tension and stiffness in muscles
- Reduce myofascial adhesions (sticky areas in fascia and connective tissue)
- Stimulate the nervous system, helping with pain relief and body awareness
Physios often combine RockPods with guided movements or stretches while the cups
are in place, enhancing mobility and making the treatment more effective.
Traditional Chinese Cupping vs RockPods
While both techniques use suction to lift the skin and underlying tissues, there are some key differences:
- Materials: Traditional Chinese cupping typically uses glass, bamboo, or plastic cups, often applied with heat or flame. RockPods are made of medical-grade silicone and use a simple push-and-release method to create suction.
- Application: Traditional cupping is generally static (cups stay in place). RockPods can be used dynamically — applied during stretches, movements, or exercises.
- Focus: Traditional cupping is rooted in Chinese medicine principles, aiming to restore energy flow (“Qi”) and balance. RockPods are designed with a modern physiotherapy and sports science focus, aiming to improve mobility, circulation, and recovery.
- Practicality: RockPods are quick, safe, and portable, making them easy to integrate into a physio session alongside exercise, sports massage, and dry needling.
- Time: Traditional cupping sessions usually last 10–20 minutes with cups left in place. RockPods treatments are often shorter (30–90 seconds per application) to get the best balance between therapeutic input and minimize after-effects, such as red circles or bruising that could last for days, and can be combined with active movement for faster, functional results.
Both methods use the power of decompression, but RockPods bring the benefits of cupping into a more active, movement-based rehabilitation setting.
Benefits of RockPods
Clients and athletes may experience:
- Faster recovery from training or competition
- Relief from muscle tightness and soreness
- Greater flexibility and joint mobility
- Support in rehabilitation from injuries
- Reduced discomfort from everyday postural stress
Are They Safe?
Yes—when applied correctly, RockPods are safe and well tolerated. Some people notice temporary marks on their skin from increased blood flow, but these fade in a few days. The sensation is usually a gentle pulling, not pain.
Who Can Use RockPods?
- Athletes: runners, lifters, team sport players, and anyone training at high intensity
- Active individuals: people with stiff shoulders, sore backs, or tight hips
- Everyday clients: office workers or anyone dealing with postural strain and reduced mobility
Why Add RockPods to Your Recovery?
RockPods aren’t a magic fix, but they’re a powerful addition to physiotherapy and recovery strategies. When combined with sports massage, dry needling, exercise, and movement retraining, they can help you move more freely, recover faster, and perform at your best. If you’re curious, speak to your physiotherapist about whether RockPods might be right for you.
Need Help Recovering from Sore Muscles?
Book a Physiotherapy, Dry needling, or Massage & Remedial appointment with our physio team today. We’ll help ease tension, reduce discomfort, and support your recovery—so you can move better, faster.
