Cupping therapy in Newcastle, as part of your chiropractic care
Dry cupping is one of the hands-on techniques Leo may use for tight, sore muscles. Here is what it involves, how it feels and the marks it can leave, so you know before you book.
November SpecialInitial Consultation $89 (usually $150) · new patients · terms
- Part of a consultation
- No separate cupping fee
- Health-fund rebates on the spot
- Dry cupping within chiropractic care
- B.Chiro.Sc & M.Chiro, Macquarie University
- Registered chiropractor (Ahpra)
- Darby Street, Cooks Hill
Three things to know about cupping
Marks are common
Cupping often leaves round, bruise-like marks that fade over a few days to two weeks.
It is part of a consultation
Cupping is used within a chiropractic appointment after assessment. It isn't sold as a standalone session.
It isn't for everyone
Some skin conditions, medications and health conditions mean cupping should be avoided. Leo checks first.
What is dry cupping?
Dry cupping uses cups placed on the skin with suction, which draws the skin and the tissue beneath it up into the cup.
Leo uses dry cupping. No cuts are made. Cups may be:
- Stationary: left in place over a tight area for a few minutes
- Sliding: moved over the muscle with oil, which feels similar to firm massage
It is usually used over large muscle groups such as the upper back, shoulders and lower back.
Where cupping sits in your care
Assessment
Your first visit is a 45-minute assessment of your history and how you move. Cupping is considered only if it suits your problem.
Within your treatment
Cupping may be used alongside other hands-on care such as soft tissue work or adjustments, in the same appointment.
Keep moving
You will usually leave with movements or exercises to continue, because cupping on its own is a short-term measure.
What the evidence says
Some people find cupping eases muscle tightness and soreness for a short time. Studies show short-term changes in pain compared with no treatment, but little difference compared with placebo cupping, so the evidence is limited.
Leo sees cupping as an optional add-on, not a replacement for assessment, exercise or other care.
What to watch for
Tell Leo about your health history, medications and any skin conditions before treatment.
Common side effects
- Round marks that can last a few days to two weeks
- Tenderness over the area for a day or two
- Skin irritation, and rarely blistering
Cupping may not be suitable if you:
- take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder
- have broken, sunburnt or irritated skin in the area
- have eczema or psoriasis that could flare
- are pregnant (some areas are avoided)
- have fragile skin or bruise very easily
Meet Leo Koutsiouroumbas
Leo is the practice owner and chiropractor at Kinisi. He uses dry cupping as one of several hands-on techniques, alongside soft tissue work, adjustments, dry needling and exercise, chosen after assessment.
- B.Chiro.Sc and M.Chiro, Macquarie University
- Advanced Dry Needling Levels 1 & 2
- Shockwave Therapy Provider Module A
- Registered chiropractor (Ahpra)
Learn more about Our Team.
Fees
Initial Consultation
$89$150$150
45 minutes · November SpecialFor new patients. Cupping may be included if it suits you.
Standard Treatment
$90
15 minutesFor existing patients. A 30-minute extended treatment is $150.
Health funds
Kinisi accepts major private health funds, with rebates on the spot. What you get back depends on your extras cover, so check with your fund.
WorkCover, DVA & EPC
Patients are also seen under WorkCover, DVA (claimed directly, no gap) and EPC plans. Mention it when booking. Veterans can read the DVA information.
There is no separate cupping fee. Fees as listed in the clinic's online booking system, November 2026. See all services and fees.
November Special terms: Initial Consultation (45 minutes) $89, usually $150. For new patients only, for appointments attended from 4 to 30 November 2026. One per person. Not available with DVA, WorkCover or EPC-funded appointments. Health-fund rebates depend on your cover.
Cupping FAQs
Will it leave marks?
Usually, yes. Round, bruise-like marks are common and generally fade within a few days to two weeks. Keep this in mind if you have an event coming up.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a strong pulling or tight sensation rather than pain. The suction can be eased if it is too strong, and you can ask to stop at any time.
Is it the same as massage-style cupping?
No. At Kinisi, cupping is one technique within a chiropractic consultation, used after assessment and alongside other care. It isn't a standalone relaxation session.
Can I book just cupping?
There is no separate cupping appointment. New patients book the Initial Consultation, and existing patients book a standard or extended treatment where cupping may be used if it suits them.
Can it be combined with an adjustment or dry needling?
Yes, if appropriate. Leo will explain what he plans to use in each session and why.
Can I claim on my health fund?
Cupping is part of your chiropractic consultation, so the consultation fee is what you would claim. Rebates depend on your extras cover, so check with your fund.
Send an enquiry
Have a question about cupping before you book? Leave your details and the clinic will call or email you back during opening hours.
For the quickest appointment, book online or call 0433 539 389.
Cupping in Cooks Hill
Kinisi is on Darby Street in Cooks Hill, inside Crown Dentistry, close to Newcastle's city centre.
KINISI CHIROPRACTICSuite 9, 235 Darby Street
(located within Crown Dentistry)
Cooks Hill, Newcastle NSW 2300
0433 539 389
Leo@Kinisichiropractic.com.au
Opening hours
| Monday | 8AM – 7PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8AM – 12PM |
| Wednesday | 8AM – 7PM |
| Thursday | 8AM – 3PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | By appointment |
Other care at Kinisi
Dry needling
Fine needles into tight muscle, used for some muscle-related pain after assessment.
Learn more →Soft tissue release
Hands-on work for tight muscles, often combined with other care in the same visit.
Learn more →
Chiropractic care
Assessment and hands-on care for back, neck, sciatica-type and joint concerns.
Learn more →
Book a consultation
New patients start with the 45-minute Initial Consultation ($89, November Special, usually $150$150). If cupping suits you, Leo can include it in your care.