Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is used in order to help develop muscle strength and function, and involves the use of a continuously monitored tourniquet cuff in order to partially restrict the flow of blood in and out of the limb while performing resistance training activities in order to improve muscle strength and function. BFR is an FDA-approved treatment function, and research highly supports its ability to help in pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, and generally improving the strength of specific muscle groups.
FAQs
What is BFR?
Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation is a game changer in the sports science and rehabilitation world and is being used to help optimize strength and endurance in a way that minimizes stress or injury to your joints. It involves the use of a pneumatic tourniquet system that constantly monitors the pressure applied on your limb (much like a blood pressure cuff). This cuff maintains a specified pressure while a person performs a set strength training program. This stimulates changes in the body that result in increased strength gains, muscle hypertrophy (increased muscle size), and improved muscle endurance, all while protecting vulnerable joints, surgical sites or soft tissue structures.
Who can benefit from BFR?
BFR first started being used with soldiers who sustained traumatic injuries in the wars in the Middle East. Its application has expanded greatly, as the research has grown to overwhelmingly support the benefit of using BFR for a variety of other uses. Great results have been shown using BFR on patients with shoulder tendinitis, runners experiencing knee pain, patients recovering from ACL reconstruction, meniscus repairs or other lower limb surgeries. There is also a notable benefit for those who have weight bearing restrictions or are in a walking boot to help maintain strength and function, so that once they are cleared, people can return to their normal activities with less difficulty or delay. BFR is also a great option for the aging population who need to gain strength in the muscles of their legs to help with daily activities but have difficulty performing resistance training because of pain related to arthritic joints.
Is BFR therapy safe?
BFR using the Delfi Medical Innovations unit is a safe, FDA-approved, automated tourniquet system. Its operation is administered and monitored by a certified medical professional, such as a physical therapist, with a BFR certification. The safety for clinical use has been researched extensively, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. With a continuously monitored pneumatic unit that adjusts as you move and your muscles contract, risks of use are comparable to that of regular exercise.
