Paul Kohlmeier – Cupping for TMJ Pain Management

In this episode, Gael sits down with Paul Kohlmeier, a clinician, educator, and co-owner of Cupping Canada and Cupping USA. With more than two decades of experience in clinical practice, Paul is known for blending traditional cupping techniques with current research, helping therapists understand not just how to cup, but why cupping works. His background spans massage therapy, athletic recovery, pain management, and teaching thousands of practitioners in both Canada and the United States. Paul’s approach is practical, relatable, and grounded in evidence-informed methods that therapists can apply immediately.

With this deep well of experience, Paul brings clarity to what cupping actually does, why it works, and how massage therapists can use it safely and effectively in TMJ and pain-focused sessions.

This discussion breaks down the science, the misconceptions, the practical techniques, and the powerful nervous-system effects that make cupping such a useful tool. If you’ve ever been curious about cupping, felt unsure what to do with the cups you bought, or want a fast way to change pain and range of motion for TMJ clients, this episode is a must-hear.

Key Topics Covered

1. Paul’s unexpected introduction to cupping and two decades of clinical evolution

2. What cupping does from a nervous-system and tissue perspective

3. The difference between decompression, static cupping, massage cupping, and movement cupping

4. Why cupping often changes pain quickly

5. Understanding marks, bruising, redness, and client expectations

6. Why cupping works so well for TMJ and TMD clients

7. How to use cupping to improve jaw opening, comfort, and session tolerance

8. Sending clients home with cups and safe self-care strategies

Memorable Insights

• Cupping provides a novel input no other soft-tissue technique offers

• Pain modulation is one of cupping’s most consistent clinical effects

• Most “adhesions” aren’t truly being broken apart—changes come from hydration, neuromodulation, and improved glide

• Movement-based cupping amplifies nervous-system response

• Cupping early in a TMJ session often makes intraoral work easier

• Dosage matters—home-care cupping can extend clinical results

• Safety, technique, and training matter when cupping professionally

Resources Mentioned

📚 Cupping Canada / Cupping USA — Paul’s education programs 🔗 https://courses.cuppingcanada.com/collections 
🇨🇦 Connect with Cupping Canada Inc. here 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/CuppingCanada/ 
🇺🇸 Connect with Cupping USA here 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/CuppingUSA 

Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors

💆🏻‍♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood
💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/
🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/  

Enjoyed this podcast and want more? 

🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!
Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn 

Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success!

Links & Contact Info:

📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club 
📩 Download the Free Massage & Spa Success Guide 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/massage-and-spa-success-free-ebook 
📧 Email Gael 🔗 [email protected]
🎙️ Send a Voice Memo 🔗  https://www.speakpipe.com/MSSPODCASTVOICEMAIL 

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps spread the word to other massage and spa professionals looking to grow their businesses. Thanks for tuning in, and see you in the next episode!