Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard has shared the painful aftermath of her cupping therapy with fans on social media.
The Canadian athlete posted a striking image on Instagram showing large circular marks covering her arms and shoulders.
"Cupping is no joke," Bouchard captioned the photo shared on Monday.
The treatment appears to have left significant bruising across her upper body.
Eugenie Bouchard shared some horrific snaps on Instagram
The tennis player regularly undergoes such treatments to maintain optimal physical condition for her sporting career.
Cupping is an ancient healing therapy used to treat various physical ailments.
The treatment involves placing heated cups on the skin's surface.
These cups create suction that aims to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
The therapy also works to increase blood flow to targeted areas.
Despite its painful appearance, cupping has become increasingly popular among elite athletes.
It forms part of Bouchard's fitness regime as she strives to maintain peak physical condition.
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The treatment is generally considered low risk for those who undergo it.
Bouchard is not alone in turning to this treatment for recovery and performance benefits.
UFC superstar Conor McGregor is known to incorporate cupping into his training regime.
Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps has also famously used the therapy.
Despite its popularity, cupping can cause side effects including bruising and muscle soreness.
These appear to be symptoms Bouchard experienced after her recent treatment.
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Eugenie Bouchard was left with huge spots on her skin
The visible marks shown in her social media post demonstrate the physical impact of the therapy.
The painful therapy marks stand in stark contrast to Bouchard's recent birthday celebrations.
Just days earlier, the tennis star turned 31 on February 25.
The Canadian athlete enjoyed luxury treats during her celebrations in the "Big Apple".
Her social media showed her indulging in both caviar and birthday cake.
The elegant celebration was worlds apart from her subsequent cupping treatment.
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Eugenie Bouchard shot to fame after reaching the Wimbledon final in 2014
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Bouchard shot to fame after reaching the Wimbledon final in 2014.
She was once among tennis's elite, featuring in Forbes' World's Highest-Paid Female Athletes list in 2017 and 2018.
In recent years, she has struggled with form and injuries, limiting her appearances at the highest level of tennis.
Despite these challenges, Bouchard continues to compete in elite sport.
She has now taken up Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton.
This career transition explains her continued focus on physical maintenance and recovery.
