Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy is a rehabilitation technique that helps increase muscle mass without over-stressing the part of the body you’re trying to heal. The goals of BRF therapy are to prevent muscle atrophy and improve recovery. Some athletes also use BFR training to build muscle.
Our physical therapists use it to promote faster healing and boost strength, making it a useful therapy for athletes looking to return to their sport quickly. It’s also a good recovery treatment for people who live an active lifestyle and don’t want an injury or medical procedure to hold them back.
How Does Blood Flow Restriction Training Work?
Blood flow restriction training works by partially blocking blood flow to a specific region during exercise. For instance, if you have a leg fracture, a physical therapist would target the area of the leg that needs healing support.
During BFR training, you wear a pressure tourniquet, which is similar to a cuff you might wear around your arm during a blood pressure reading. Your therapist will give you specific exercises to perform while wearing the cuff. You perform repetitions of that exercise followed by rest.
By manipulating the blood flow to the region during exercise, BFR therapy creates a localized hypoxic (oxygen-deficient) environment.
During the repetitions, the muscle being targeted receives less oxygen. As a result, the muscle cells become more acidic. This causes the muscles to fatigue more quickly as if they were being challenged by heavy weights.
Then, during the periods of rest, the muscle cells have the chance to recover.
This process helps to increase muscle mass with low-load resistance training. So, you get the strengthening benefits of more intense resistance training without heavy loads.
What Are the Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Training?
What’s so special about this specific rehabilitation technique is that you can strengthen muscles without overwhelming the targeted area. This is really helpful after an injury or surgery that requires rest.
Normally, too much rest leads to muscle atrophy, muscle shrinking or weakening due to lack of use. If you don’t challenge muscles with weight-bearing exercise, they, and bone tissue, start to shrink. Blood flow restriction therapy works against this process.
It offers:
- Increased strength
- More muscle mass
- Better endurance
- Reduced muscle soreness
Research shows it can also improve cardiovascular fitness and offer holistic benefits during rehabilitation.
Is Blood Flow Restriction Training Safe?
BFR training is safe when performed with an experienced physical therapist or athletic coach. This technique requires precise pressure application. It’s also important to understand how to balance the right amount of resistance with rest to achieve the benefits of BFR therapy without causing harm.
Inappropriate use of blood flow restriction training can cause pain, damage to muscle tissue, or a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
At JAG Physical Therapy, we only recommend this therapy for individuals who can safely handle the metabolic stress put on the body’s muscles. We also work with you while you perform the exercises, so you don’t have to worry about pushing your body too hard or using the wrong amount of pressure. We monitor your movements, pain level, and aerobic stress.
Experience Innovative Blood Flow Restriction Training at JAG Physical Therapy
Blood flow restriction training can help you recover quickly and build strength. If you’re worried about losing muscle mass after an injury or surgery, this therapy can help to keep your muscles strong and healthy and support overall fitness.
JAG Physical Therapy uses blood flow restriction therapy along with other techniques to provide custom rehabilitation programs. We’re experts in this innovative treatment method and can work with you to help you achieve your recovery and strength-building goals.
JAG Physical Therapy is the leading physical and occupational therapy provider in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Request an appointment today at a location near you.
Learn More About Physical Therapy from JAG PT:
- Occupational Therapy for Chronic Pain Management
- The Role of Occupational Therapy in Work Rehabilitation and Return to Work Programs
- Exercises for Indoor Athletic Training
- Physical Therapy: Who Can it Benefit and How Can it Help?