Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
What is blood flow restriction?
Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a specialized technique that helps you build muscle and strength faster and more efficiently. This technique works by controlling blood flow to specific areas of your body.
Your cardiovascular system contains arteries that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. The veins in your cardiovascular system are the blood vessels that return the blood back to your heart.
In BFR, Dr. Stivers. Dr. Robertson and Dr. Harding strategically wrap the uppermost portion of your limb so your blood can freely flow into the area but can’t return to your heart. By causing blood to pool in your muscles, BFR triggers swelling on a cellular level, which produces new muscle growth.
How does blood flow restriction training work?
BFR helps you make significant physical improvements without placing stress on your limb. This enables Dr. Stivers. Dr. Robertson and Dr. Harding to design a program tailored to your fitness level, physical health or injury, and overall goals.
For BFR to work, it’s essential to apply your wrap correctly. If it’s too tight, you limit the blood flowing to your muscles; but if it’s too loose, your blood won’t pool in your muscle. Dr. Stivers. Dr. Robertson, and Dr. Harding show you where and how to wrap your limb for optimal results.
After applying your BFR wrap, Dr. Stivers. Dr. Robertson and Dr. Harding guide you through any accompanying activity, like low-load resistance training or exercise programs, such as walking. BFR also provides positive results without any form of exercise, so Dr. Stivers., Dr. Robertson, Dr. and Harding can offer BFR even if you have an injury or physical limitations.
Who can benefit from blood flow restriction training?
Anyone can benefit from supervised BFR training, from elite athletes to men and women going through rehab. Common conditions or medical situations that respond to BFR training include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Hip or knee replacement
- Tendon injuries or rotator cuff repair
- Knee injuries or surgery
- Spinal cord injuries
- Strokes
BFR can also help reduce muscle loss and speed your recovery when used in the early stages of immobilization when you have a broken bone. That’s because this technique enables you to improve your strength and muscle size without the added stress of heavy lifting.