Blood Flow Restriction Therapy/Training

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy/Training

A revolutionary approach to improving muscular strength, hypertrophy and cardiovascular fitness.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy/training utilizes a pneumatic cuff and personalized pressure system to reduce the blood flow to the arm or leg during physical activity. This mechanism allows for an exaggerated response to low load training in regards to increasing muscle strength, hypertrophy and cardiovascular performance. Traditionally, loads in excess of 75% of your 1 rep maximum are required to increase muscle strength and hypertrophy. In many rehabilitation scenarios, a post-operative joint is unable to deal with loads of that magnitude. BFR training allows for exercises performed with as little as 20% of your 1 rep maximum to create exceptional strength and hypertrophy gains.

This treatment is well documented in the research and an exact mechanism is still being decided upon. Current evidence reports an increase in metabolites by anaerobic metabolism, a systemic anabolic response and cellular swelling.  On the cardiovascular side, high intensity interval training can be bested by low intensity training along with BFR training. This means shorter bouts of exercise with quite low intensity will result in increased aerobic capacity, increased muscle strength, increased max power output and lactate accumulation. We currently have two packages available, a 2x/week and 5x/week pack. Both will last for a month from purchase, sessions are 60 minutes in length and programming will be provided via an app.

If your goal is for muscular strength and hypertrophy gains-you would choose the 2x/week pack. If you want to improve muscle strength, hypertrophy and aerobic capacity you would choose 5x/week.

Cases that will benefit from BFR:

  • ACL reconstruction

  • Meniscus repairs

  • Total joint replacements

  • FAI/hip labral reconstructions

  • Rotator cuff repairs

  • Achilles tendon repair

  • Shoulder labral reconstructions

  • Chronic post operative atrophy

  • Stress fracture healing

  • Tendonitis

  • Muscle atrophy

Providers

Physical Therapy

BFR in conjunction with Physical Therapy is a perfect modality to reduce atrophy during the protective phases of rehab. As the treatment effect is also systemic we see a benefit for patients who have also moved beyond the protective phase and are on the path back to sport but continue to require improved strength in a painful limb.

Performance Training

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BFR is a great way to train during in season competition. Using this technique we reduce stress on the joints, muscles tissues and nervous system all while achieving the benefits of continued strength work. Perfect for the in season endurance athlete to maintain or even improve strength and aerobic capacity while not risking over training. This will also benefit athletes needing more power and explosive movement to perform.

Power athletes who will benefit from BFR

  • Football

  • Basketball

  • Track and field

  • Soccer

  • Lacrosse

  • Volleyball

  • Baseball

Endurance athletes who will benefit from BFR

  • Climbing

  • Cycling

  • Running

  • Triathlon

  • Hiking

  • Swimming