Granit Xhaka using ancient Chinese ‘cupping’ treatment in bid to return for Arsenal
GRANIT XHAKA has joined the list of sportsmen to indulge in "cupping" as he looks to get back to full fitness.
The likes of Anthony Joshua, Michael Phelps and Neymar have all turned to the alternative treatment in recent years.
Cupping - traced back to ancient Chinese times - sees therapists put special cups on their clients' skin to create suction.
The process - which only lasts for a few minutes - is believed to ease muscle soreness and pain, as well as increasing blood flow and relaxation and to provide a deep-tissue massage.
Clients are usually left with red circular marks on the affected area, which normally take around ten days to fade.
And Swiss midfielder Xhaka was the latest sports star to test out the treatment on his left groin as he hopes to get back on the pitch, having missed the last two Premier League games.
He was an unused substitute in last week's 2-1 win against Cardiff, while he failed to travel with the squad that lost against Manchester City yesterday.
Taking to Instagram where he posted a picture of him observing the cups on his leg, he told his 1.8 million followers he is doing everything he can to get back into selection.
He said: "Tough Sunday... but I am doing everything possible to recover from the injury that kept me from playing the last 2 games!
"Can't wait to be back on pitch fighting with the team!"
What is cupping?
- During the treatment, a therapist puts special cups on their client’s skin and leaves them on for a few minutes – to create suction.
- When done properly, it has many benefits – including helping to ease pain and inflammation; increase blood flow, relaxation and well-being; aid detox; and provide a deep-tissue massage.
- The British Cupping Society claims it helps blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia, rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia and high blood pressure.
- Side effect include red circular marks on the treated area which normally fade after ten days, while it can also cause mild discomfort.
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Xhaka has been involved in 25 games in all competitions for the Gunners this season, chipping in with three goals and one assist.
But despite being a lynchpin of the side, he was involved in an angry confrontation with supporters after the North London giants crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester United.