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Blood Flow Restriction Training

What is Blood Flow Restriction? 

  • A form of low intensity resistance training that can be used to enhance muscle growth, strength, and performance of the working muscles
  • A way to prevent muscle atrophy and build strength without increasing load on joints

 

How does Blood Flow Restriction work?

  • A specifically designed cuff is placed high up on the leg or arm
  • Individualized amounts of compression are applied to the working limb and a select 1-4 exercise are performed as determined by your therapist
  • The compression of the cuff causes a buildup of metabolic muscle byproducts that lead to enhanced muscle growth 
  • BFR can achieve similar results in muscle growth to high intensity interval training (HIIT)

 

Who is Blood Flow Restriction  for? 

  • Post-surgical clients (achilles tendon repair, ACL repair, meniscal repair, hip scope, or rotator cuff repair) with limitations in weight bearing or range of motion that prevents higher/heavier loads 
  • Clients with pain, arthritis, or degenerative issues that cannot handle higher/heavier loading to joints or tendons
  • Clients with healing tissues that cannot yet handle higher/heavier loads
  • High level athletes that need to maintain training intensity but cannot handle the high level of forces necessary to be competitive

What are the benefits of  Blood Flow Restriction?

  • BFR helps to prevents muscle atrophy
  • Allows for muscle strengthening without having to overload joints 
  • Excellent way to bridge the gap between low intensity and high intensity training 

 

Side effects? 

  • Some muscle soreness after BFR is expected 
  • Muscle fatigue during exercise and low levels of discomfort are normal

 

*Consult your doctor before beginning BFR if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, high blood pressure, cardiac disease, or may be pregnant.