Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training

Home Physical Therapy Treatments Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training

Resize Text
Aa
Aa
Aa

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training

What is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training?

Muscle atrophy, or the loss of muscle, is one of the most problematic conditions that occurs as a result of inactivity following injury or surgery.

Blood flow restriction training (BFR) is able to not only combat muscle loss but actually improve muscle strength by using a specialized cuff on an arm or leg while performing rehabilitation exercises. Inflating the cuff to various pressures safely slows blood flow to the exercising extremity. BRF training, combined with low load exercise, promotes muscle and strength gains when high resistance strength training is not indicated, such as following injury or surgery.

How does BFR training work?

Inflatable cuffs are worn around the upper or lower portion of the extremity being treated
While performing the exercise, the cuffs are adjusted to specialized pressures
The reduction of blood flow in conjunction with low load exercises works the muscle similarly to lifting a traditional heavy load
Muscle strength is gained without applying stress across the body part that traditional strength training would

What patients would benefit from BFR training?

Patients with pain, musculoskeletal injuries, limb/joint immobilization, and those who are post-op are some of the individuals who would benefit from BFR Training. This includes:

Rotator Cuff Repairs	Knee Cartilage Repairs
Achilles Repairs	Muscle Strains of the Upper and
Knee Ligament Reconstructions	Lower Extremity
Muscle Strains	Severe Musculoskeletal Trauma of
Total Joint Replacement of the Knee	the Upper and Lower Extremity
Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis	Post-Fracture Care

Is BFR training painful?

When administered properly, BFR training should not be painful. Pressure or tightness may be experienced due to the inflation of the cuff. Each treatment follows a standard protocol and is individualized based on the patient's specific needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the clinic nearest you!