Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) rehabilitation is a method of physical training where blood flow to a limb is deliberately limited during exercise. This restriction temporarily reduces the oxygen supply to the working muscle, and that increased short-duration stress causes the muscle to adapt by growing in both size and strength.
The physiological benefits of BFR include increased protein synthesis, increased muscle activation, and increased production of human growth hormone, all of which support the healing of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This makes BFR an effective technique after acute or chronic injuries, during post-surgical rehabilitation, and to manage osteoarthritis. Many people can benefit from BFR rehabilitation, including athletes, people living with chronic weakness or pain, and older adults.
BFR training begins with a personalized measurement of how much pressure should be used to restrict blood flow. A tourniquet cuff will then be applied to the limb and inflated to create the restriction, and your physiotherapist will provide a 10–15-minute exercise program to be performed while wearing the inflated cuff. Results can be expected with 1-3 sessions per week over a 6–10-week period.
Treatments for tendinitis
to learn if Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation may be helpful for you!
