Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) uses a cuff filled with air to partially stop blood from entering and leaving the area. This tricks your muscles into thinking that they are performing high-intensity exercise, although BFR typically uses lower intensity exercise.
Benefits of BFRT:
Decrease pain
Enhance performance
Hypertrophy of muscles
Increase strength
Increased bone mineral density
Improve cardiovascular function
Reduced post-exercise soreness
BFRT can be used for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to: acute pain, osteoarthritis, lower extremity injuries, injured athletes, and post-operative procedures. BFRT is beneficial in the rehabilitation process because strength can decline by 4% a day during injury and immobilization. BFRT can be a beneficial way to maintain or improve strength during injury. For someone experiencing pain due to osteoarthritis, BFRT can still help to effectively strengthen around the joint to improve pain levels allowing you to have a better quality of life.
It can be intimidating to perform exercises with a BFR cuff on. Here are some expectations you can expect to help alleviate some fears going into it:
Performing exercises to fatigue/feels like performing strenuous workout
Exercises gradually becoming much more challenging as sets go on
It is not uncommon for limbs experience color changes (ex: purple or red) during a session
Manageable levels of discomfort during exercise
We would love to help you figure out if BFRT is right for you. Schedule an appointment with our Mequon or Brookfield office today!
