Blood flow restriction training (BFR) is a new approach that can be added to an orthopedic rehabilitation program. It is used more frequently in higher-level rehabilitation settings, like the military or professional athletics. But with Highbar, we bring this new and exciting treatment to you!
Blood Flow Restriction Training
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How does Blood Flow Restriction Training work?
A tourniquet is applied to the patient’s leg or arm and inflates to their individualized pressure that will create the best environment for muscle growth. While the patient performs low-level exercises, the tourniquet will continue to stay inflated, which causes the muscles to fatigue quickly. The patient will feel a burning sensation, just like with any heavy lifting activity. Their limbs will swell and turn red due to the veins swelling. Then, the tourniquet deflates between exercises to allow the patient rest.
The physical therapist will monitor the patient’s blood pressure and circulation to ensure their body is working at an optimal level for a safe and fast recovery. Sessions are typically 30-minutes to an hour and are done in conjunction with a patient’s physical therapy treatment plan.
This treatment is helpful for patients who are recovering from surgery or unable to tolerate high-intensity training. It can also be beneficial for:
Sprains or Strains
Rotator Cuff Repair
Other Muscle and Joint Problems
Knee osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis
Arthroscopy
ACL injuries
Achilles tear
Blood Flow Restriction Training
Blood Flow Restriction allows physical therapists to prescribe resisted exercises that result in muscle growth without the stress on the muscle that traditional resistance training requires. In order to achieve increased muscle growth, traditional exercise requires the use of 70-85% of the maximum lifting ability, whereas research has proven that BFR only requires about 20-35%.
This tool is particularly useful with patients that may have lifting precautions due to surgery or other injury factors. It allows the therapists to use low-load exercises to achieve increased strength gains and muscle growth, all without the risk of overstressing a muscle, joint, or ligament.
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Ask Us a QuestionWhat is blood flow restriction training?
Blood flow restriction training (BFR) is a new approach that can be added to an orthopedic rehabilitation program. It is used more frequently in higher-level rehabilitation settings, like the military or professional athletics. But with Highbar, we bring this new and exciting treatment to you!
Using a medical-grade tourniquet to limit the blood flow to the muscles, blood flow restriction training results in firing of the larger, faster muscles. This stimulates a high-intensity training workout for patients that are dealing with pain or post-surgical restrictions or weakness that would otherwise be unable to tolerate the intensity of a workout.
What results can I expect from blood flow restriction training?
Current research shows that the use of blood flow restriction with low-intensity training can result in up to a 20% increase in muscle growth over a 6-week program. It has similar success rates to high-load training, but with significantly less stress to joints and muscles. For patients who are unable to tolerate high-intensity training, blood flow restriction training is an effective option.
Where can I find a physical therapist for blood flow restriction training?
Highbar has clinicians in Rhode Island and Massachusetts who can perform blood flow restriction training. Request an appointment to learn more and see if this treatment is right for you.