What is Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR-T)?

BFR-T is a modality used in physical therapy to help patients regain muscle strength and size without requiring exercising at high mechanical loads (i.e high external resistance). 

How does it accomplish this? 

By applying the right amount of external pressure to an extremity, it’s possible to maintain arterial inflow while occluding venous outflow distal to the occlusion site. This means during exercise, blood flow will continuously be directed to the working limb, and restricted back to the heart. 

This induces high metabolic stress to muscles; resulting in desired outcomes similar to exercising with high mechanical stress. 

A great example is that of a post-op ACL repair. In the early stages of rehab, it is contraindicated to exercise at high mechanical loading, in order to prevent tearing of the ACL graft. However, one of the biggest challenges these patients face is regaining muscle size and strength of the knee extensors. Therefore with BFR-T, a Physical Therapist can help their patient accomplish these goals while maintaining integrity of the graft. 

So far the current research for BFR-T has been promising over the last decade, and only continues to grow due to its efficacy on a variety of patient populations and cases. 

Here are some examples of cases we commonly treat at the clinic with BFR-T: Knee ligamentous injuries and repairs, meniscus pathologies and repairs, rotator cuff injuries and repairs, labrum injuries and repairs, osteoarthritic joints, and much more. 

If you would like to determine if BFR-T is right for you, contact our front desk to schedule an appointment to be evaluated and treated by one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy. 

– Emmanuel Vazquez PT, DPT, CSCS