Have you not heard about Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training and what it does for rehab and strength?

Even though it is “new” to the physical therapy and strength and conditioning worlds, it has been around for quite some time. It also goes by the name “Kaatsu”.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) can be used in both the rehab and strength and conditioning fields.

What is Blood Flow Restriction?

Blood Flow Restriction involves the use of a tourniquet to partially occlude arterial blood flow to the leg as well as venous return. Basically, this means that the body can still pump blood to the leg, but only a portion of it can access the leg.

Why would someone do BFR?

The purpose behind Blood Flow Restriction is that it allows an athlete to train without having to use weights or loads at or near their maximum effort in order to improve their overall strength. This is hugely important when it comes to rehab. Often times, after surgery, an athlete needs to improve their strength BUT they can’t load their arm or leg with weights that would challenge them at a point to make pure strength gains.

By applying the cuffs to the leg or arm, the athlete can use a much lighter weight, but feel like they are working at or near 70-80% of their 1 rep max.

For example, if someone has surgery and they are rehabbing from said surgery and they want to improve their lower body strength, they need to do exercises to get stronger. Normally, placing a heavy weight in their hands or on their body would be needed to focus on improving strength. What happens is that this athlete can’t handle a heavy weight because their body and their limb doesn’t have the pre-requisite strength to perform said movement. By placing the cuffs on the athlete’s leg or arm, they can use a lighter weight that they can handle and it simulates training at a higher intensity and load.

Is it safe?

We get asked this all the time. When this type of modality is used by a practitioner who is trained in the application and usage of BFR, yes. We make sure to monitor blood flow via a Doppler Ultrasound as not to fully occlude blood flow and monitor the athlete throughout the entire session for any type of symptoms that would warrant stopping the use of BFR. We would recommend not using BFR unless you are under the supervision of a Licensed Medical Provider.

How Move Strong PT Can Help

If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, BFR may be a good fit for you. Contact us HERE to learn more.

Are you frustrated with an injury that doesn’t let you do what you WANT to do? Are you going to continue dealing with it or are you going to take that first step to get back to doing what you love? Contact us to take that first step.