Knee surgery is not something to be taken lightly, whether it be a total knee replacement, meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction, or something else. In order to gain the full benefit of the surgery, attending physical therapy sessions for rehabilitation is an absolute must. Today we will be going over why it is so important to see a physical therapist after surgery, discussing some of the issues that can arise from not seeing a physical therapist, and briefly go over how your physical therapist can assist you prior to having surgery. If you are about to undergo surgery or have just had surgery and would like to set up an appointment with our experienced and professional physical therapist in Houston Heights, give us a call at Jennifer Klein Physical Therapy & AATB Pilates today to schedule an appointment!

The Importance of Physical Therapy After Having Knee Surgery

Knee surgery can be successful, but the ongoing success of your treatment depends on what you decide to do during your post-operation recovery period. Physical therapy is often recommended, and for very good reason. Physical therapists are trained to help patients regain mobility and strength after they experience an injury or surgery by guiding them through specific stretches, exercises, and other activities that are customized to assist in their own personal healing. Unfortunately, there are many people who don’t comply with their doctor’s suggestions to go to physical therapy sessions, which can be detrimental to proper healing. Because the purpose of post-surgery physical therapy is to help with the healing process and take the steps to regain function, avoiding it, or not fully committing to your prescribed program can hinder your recovery process. By doing this, the patient may experience:

Decreased blood flow to the affected area, which can negatively affect the healing process at the surgical site
Weakened and atrophied muscles
Returning to normal joint movement becomes difficult
Increased pain in the affected area
Decreased joint support
Decreased endorphin production due to inactivity, resulting in higher stress levels

In sum, not following a physical therapy recommendation often leads to a much more difficult, lengthy, and frustrating recovery period.

Benefits of Pre-Op Physical Therapy

You may think of physical therapy as something that is done after having surgery, but it can be extremely beneficial before your operation as well. Seeing a physical therapist before heading into surgery can help with strengthening your knees, improving flexibility, and recovering faster after you have your operation. There are numerous studies that show the benefits of “prehabilitation” before having knee surgery, such as increased quadricep strength, improvement in the ability to perform functional tasks, and overall better quality of life post-op. Prehabilitation includes a variety of exercises that help with hip strengthening, stretching, and balancing, while still taking extra care of your injury at-hand. We would be more than happy to assist you with getting back on your feet after having knee surgery and help you with some extremely beneficial exercises before the big day. To learn more about us and see if we are a good fit for you, please do not hesitate to give us a call at Jennifer Klein Physical Therapy & AATB Pilates in Houston Heights today. We look forward to working with you and helping you live a more comfortable, pain-free life!

Cupping Therapy for Congestion

If you’ve ever felt like your chest was tight, heavy, and hard to breathe through, you’re not alone. Congestion from colds, coughs, or seasonal flare-ups can leave you drained and frustrated. At our practice, we often hear the same question: “Is there a natural way to breathe easier again?”

Cupping therapy, a time-honored approach rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, may offer some much-needed relief. While it might look a little unconventional at first glance, cupping has been used for centuries to support respiratory health, especially when it comes to clearing the lungs and loosening stubborn phlegm.

Understanding Respiratory Congestion

Congestion isn’t just a stuffy nose or a nagging cough; it’s a sign that your body is working overtime to protect itself. When we talk about respiratory congestion, we’re usually referring to an excess buildup of mucus in your lungs, throat, or nasal passages. Your body creates mucus as a defense mechanism, trapping bacteria, viruses, and allergens. But when that system gets overwhelmed (like during a cold, the flu, or seasonal allergies) it can leave you with tightness in your chest, difficulty breathing, and that unmistakable sense that something just won’t “clear.”

For many of our patients, this discomfort brings fatigue, interrupted sleep, and even anxiety. Whether it’s triggered by a lingering virus or chronic conditions like asthma or bronchitis, chest congestion can feel both physically and emotionally draining. That’s why finding supportive therapies, like cupping, to loosen phlegm isn’t just about symptom relief. It’s about helping you feel like yourself again.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

At its core, cupping therapy is surprisingly simple: it involves placing cups on the skin to create a gentle suction. This negative pressure draws skin and muscle upward, helping increase blood flow to the area and encouraging the body’s natural detox processes. It’s not a new idea; cupping has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern, and even Eastern European practices. But it’s not just ancient folklore. Many people today turn to cupping for its grounding, restorative effects, especially during illness or recovery.

There are a few different types of cupping, each with its own intention. Dry cupping relies solely on suction; wet cupping involves small incisions to release a small amount of blood. Fire cupping uses heat to create vacuum pressure, while massage cupping moves the cups along the skin for a more dynamic treatment. For respiratory concerns like chest tightness or congestion, dry or fire cupping over the upper back is often used to stimulate lung function.

How Cupping Alleviates Chest Congestion

When you’re dealing with stubborn chest congestion, it can feel like you’re breathing through a straw. Cupping helps by shifting your body out of that tight, stuck place and into a state of movement and release. One of the most helpful things about cupping is how it boosts circulation; not just blood, but also lymphatic flow, which plays a key role in clearing waste from your tissues. This increased flow helps draw out inflammation and brings in fresh oxygen and nutrients, which your body needs to repair itself.

For the lungs specifically, cupping over the upper back or chest can relax the muscles involved in breathing, helping you take fuller, easier breaths. The suction effect also creates a gentle pulling on the fascia and skin, which some people describe as “lifting” pressure off the chest. It’s one reason many of our patients describe feeling “lighter” after a session.

Perhaps most notably, cupping helps loosen phlegm by stimulating the movement of mucus in the lungs. If you’ve been coughing without much relief, cupping may offer the nudge your body needs to clear things out. This is why cupping for chest congestion and coughing is a tool we keep in our wellness toolbox.

Cupping Points for Lung Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, different points on the body correspond to different organ systems. When we’re using cupping to support your lungs, we often focus on specific acupoints that encourage respiratory balance and help open the chest. One of the most commonly used is BL13, located between the shoulder blades. This point is directly associated with lung energy and can be especially powerful when congestion is sitting deep in the chest.

We may also work along the upper back and sides of the ribcage to stimulate breathing muscles. These cupping points for lungs are chosen intentionally to create space, movement, and relief where your body needs it most.

Cupping for Specific Conditions

We see a wide range of reasons why someone might seek cupping during cold and allergy season, but a few conditions come up again and again. One is chronic cough, especially the kind that lingers after the initial illness fades. Cupping for cough works by encouraging circulation around the lungs and stimulating the body to move mucus upward, where it can be cleared. It doesn’t stop the cough altogether; instead, it helps make each cough more productive.

Then there’s cupping for chest congestion, which often comes with a heavy, restricted feeling across the chest or upper back. By increasing circulation and relaxing the surrounding muscles, cupping can help relieve that tightness and create a greater sense of openness in your breathing.

For those struggling with thick, stubborn mucus, cupping also works to loosen phlegm and can offer surprising relief. When paired with hydration, movement, and rest, this gentle therapy can make a real difference in how your body lets go of what it no longer needs.

Safety Considerations and Contraindications

Cupping is generally safe when performed by someone trained, but like all therapies, it isn’t for everyone. If you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, or have fragile or inflamed skin, it’s important to talk to your provider before scheduling a session. Pregnant clients should avoid cupping on the abdomen and lower back.

You might notice round marks or mild bruising where the cups were placed; this is expected and usually fades within a few days. Still, we always check in with you beforehand to make sure you’re comfortable, informed, and supported in every step of the process.

Final Thoughts on Cupping for Congestion

Cupping therapy isn’t a magic fix; but for many people, it becomes a meaningful part of their recovery process. When your lungs feel tight and your breath feels shallow, sometimes a little extra help can go a long way. We’re here to help you breathe easier, one session at a time.

Call for an Appointment