Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Staying active is a lifestyle, but injuries, pain, and weakness can throw a wrench in your workout routine or your ability to play sports at your fullest potential. At Superior Physical Therapy, I’m all about helping you recover quickly and reach your peak performance. Today, I’m diving into a cutting-edge technique called Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy that can benefit active individuals like you.

What is BFR Therapy and how does it work?

When a person performs heavy weight lifting, they contract their muscles so hard that it squeezes out the oxygen from the muscle cells.  This lack of oxygen is the catalyst to building muscle and gaining strength.  With Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) we simulate this environment by using a light tourniquet with inflatable cuffs on your arms or legs to restrict the blood flow to the working muscles.  This mimics the effect of high intensity weight training at a much lower intensity.

So, why BFR? The Research is Compelling

Studies have shown BFR therapy to be effective in several ways:

Can I use BFR to get stronger or improve my athletic performance? A recent systematic review of BFR use in athletes (American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021) found that BFR can lead to improvements in strength, muscle size, and markers of sports performance in healthy athletes. Combining traditional resistance training with BFR may allow athletes to maximize athletic performance and remain in good health. 

This improvement in strength includes gaining muscle size or hypertrophy.  One systematic review and meta-analysis (Sports Medicine, 2018) even found that older adults using BFR while performing low load exercises will demonstrate muscle hypertrophy.

But what if I have pain?  A recent systematic review and meta-analysis (British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2017) when comparing groups exercising with very low loads/weight (one group uses BFR and the other group did the same exercises without BFR) found that using BFR was more effective in gaining strength, but also was more tolerable and therefore is a great tool for those in pain.

Other research published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine (2017) found BFR therapy to be effective in reducing pain associated with muscle injuries.

Who Can Benefit from BFR Therapy?

BFR therapy offers a valuable tool for a variety of individuals, including:

• Athletes recovering from injury: By reducing pain and promoting muscle growth, BFR can help athletes return to their sport sooner and stronger.
• Active adults with limitations: BFR allows for effective training at lower intensities, making it suitable for individuals who may not be able to perform high-intensity exercises due to pain or limitations.
• Those seeking to optimize their workouts: BFR can enhance muscle strength and growth, allowing active individuals to push their fitness goals further.

Is BFR Therapy Right for You?

While BFR offers exciting possibilities, it's important to consult with a qualified physical therapist (like Keely at Superior Physical Therapy) to determine if it's the right approach for you. We'll assess your individual needs, goals, and any potential limitations to create a safe and effective BFR therapy program.

Ready to Unlock Your Potential?

Don't let pain or weakness sideline you. Contact Superior Physical Therapy today and explore how BFR therapy can help you recover faster, build strength, and achieve your fitness and athletic goals.

Stay Active, Stay Strong!