What is Blood Flow Restriction Training?
Blood flow restriction training, or BFR, is a proven, safe, and effective system used by qualified medical professionals to achieve the results of heavy load strength training, but with lighter weights at lower intensities. By safely and temporarily limiting (but not completely stopping) the incoming/outgoing blood flow to/from a specific area, the body gets tricked into thinking it is working harder than it really is. Also known as blood flow restriction therapy and restrictive blood flow training, BFR helps build muscle mass, strength, function, and aerobic endurance efficiently. It puts less strain on tissues and joints than traditional strength training, speeds up injury recovery, and prevents muscle soreness.
How Blood Flow Restriction Training Works
By placing a specialized blood flow restriction training pressure cuff (similar to a blood pressure cuff) on your upper arm or upper leg, your physical therapist can closely monitor your restricted blood flow. This process temporarily limits the amount of low-oxygen blood from entering and leaving those targeted muscles. The use of blood flow restriction training in tandem with light load weight lifting, sends those muscles into a state of hypertrophy. Hypertrophy is the body’s natural process to build muscle strength and mass but is usually only attainable from heavy/high intensity strength training.
Blood flow restriction training (BFR) is an effective way to strengthen muscles and repair damaged tissues. It is used to rehabilitate injuries, promote recovery after orthopedic surgeries, and as a method of athletic training/conditioning. Injuries and concerns treated with blood flow restriction therapy include, but are not limited to:
Benefits of BFR Training
Blood flow restriction training (BFR) is also sometimes referred to as blood flood restriction therapy, blood flow occlusion, tourniquet training, blood flow modulation, or Kaatsu training. Blood flow restriction therapy may be used to help individuals:
What to Expect with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
SportsCare & Armworks Physical and Hand Therapy sees each patient as an individual with unique needs. At your first appointment you will have a thorough, professional evaluation with a licensed physical therapist. Together, you will discuss your injuries/conditions, rehabilitation goals, and general health. Your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan just for you, and if appropriate, they may recommend incorporating the use of blood flow restriction training. Your plan of care may also include:
Major groups and institutions that use BFR training include the US Dept. of Defense, NASA, US Olympic Teams, NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, and NCAA Division-1 Collegiate Sports Teams!
BFR Training is offered here:
We have found that blood flow restriction training increased muscle size in the shoulders, chest, and arms better than conventional training when done with the same volume. Blood flow restriction training causes a release of your body’s human growth-hormone (HGH) from the pituitary gland. HGH causes growth of muscle, bone, and nearly every cell of the body, and it enhances fat loss.
It is important to understand that BFR training does NOT stop blood flow to the limb. Using pneumatic tourniquet-like cuffs placed at either the closest part of the leg or closest part of the arm, individually calculated pressure is applied to the cuff that limits the amount of blood flow returning from the limb. Doppler ultrasound is used to ensure fresh arterial blood and oxygen is still entering the limb. By restricting the venous blood from leaving the limb, muscle tissue is stimulated by an increased concentration of metabolic growth factors.
Most patients are candidates for blood flow restriction training. Patients between the ages of 18-50 are typically the target age group for BFR.
Patients with poor circulation that have conditions such as diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, hypertension, and skin infections are not appropriate candidates for BFR training.
Blood Flow Restriction Training sessions typically last anywhere from 20-45 minutes. The time will vary based on the intensity of the workout routine.
How frequently blood flow restriction therapy is incorporated into your treatment plan is done on a case-by-case basis. Your physical therapist will discuss how often BFR training is best suited for your recovery or training program.
Blood Flow Restriction Training is a relatively new therapy tool. Its early stages began when the United States Military and NASA were researching methods to preserve muscle mass in wounded soldiers to avoid amputation and to maintain muscle mass and fitness in astronauts affected by low gravity in space. With promising evidence and results, BFR has begun to spread to the worlds of rehabilitation and performance. Blood flow restriction training is known as one of the most exciting developments in physical therapy and professional sports training.
Here is a list of the insurance plans accepted by SportsCare & Armworks Physical and Hand Therapy. If you are unsure of your coverage or if your plan is accepted, please contact one of our offices. We are happy to assist you in learning about your benefits.
SportsCare & Armworks Physical and Hand Therapy have convenient locations in Gresham, NE Portland, Clackamas, Beaverton, Tigard, and Sandy. Location specific contact information can be found here: View Locations