Hi there-
Yes, it's similar to what I understand as supercropping, but a bit less scary (you don't tend to hear a bowel-loosening 'crack!' as you do it!). If plants are not exposed to the wind or a fan or suchlike, the stems tend to become weak, and if you shake them strongly at the base it causes microscopic cracks to appear up and down the stems which the plant then heals, making the stems stronger and more woody- which is what it sounds like you need. I tend to shake mine every few days, and I've got thick, strong woody stems which seem able to support the substantial amount of bud that's forming at the moment.
hope this is of some use,
tom |