What is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and what is it used for?

A relatively new treatment modality has emerged onto the physical medicine scene and is being utilized more and more in early postoperative rehabilitation, as well as conservative care of musculoskeletal conditions. We are excited to now offer this amazing treatment, Blood Flood Restriction, at Lakeside Spine and Wellness. 

The purpose of BFR therapy is to mimic a higher intensity of exercise without having to exert high loads of stress on painful and sensitive joints and structures. Essentially, when we exercise at high intensities, our body enters a low oxygen state which causes cellular molecules to build up in the bloodstream which signals the body to increase muscle growth, strength, and blood vessel development. These molecules in essence, are what drive the positive adaptations that we see with exercise.

A common issue is when people are recovering from certain conditions like rotator cuff injuries, hamstring strains, or any surgical intervention, it inhibits them from engaging in higher intensity rehabilitation than is capable of creating adaptation on the cellular level. 

This is where Blood Flow Restriction Therapy can be very beneficial. Using carefully designed blood pressure cuffs, we can partially occlude venous blood flow using much lower intensity workouts. This occlusion mimics the low-oxygen levels seen in high intensity training, and stimulates the same metabolic processes that drive muscle growth and strength development. 

In simple terms, with BFR treatment, we can create the same adaptations seen in harder workouts without exposing painful and sensitive tissues to excess load and stress. 

After using BFR treatment with patients, we have seen many positive changes with issues of the hip and shoulder, plus this therapy also allows those that are a little more deconditioned or older in age to increase strength, combat muscle loss (e.g. sarcopenia) and recover from pain and dysfunction caused by muscle weakness. 

Further, multiple studies have proved that BFR is completely safe, even for those with circulatory issues like hypertension!

Blood Flow Restriction therapy may be perfect for those people struggling to get over the initial hump of exercise and recovery by building strength and function in a non-stressful way. Depending on the nature of your case, this intervention may be “just what the doctor ordered” 

 to kick start your road to recovery. 

If you have questions about BFR or are curious if it may be useful for whatever issue you are struggling with, please feel free to reach out to us at Lakeside Spine and Wellness. 

What to take from this post: 

• The purpose of BFR therapy is to mimic a higher intensity of exercise without having to exert high loads of stress on painful and sensitive joints and structures. 

• BFR uses carefully designed blood pressure cuffs which partially occlude venous blood flow using much lower intensity workouts. This occlusion mimics the low-oxygen levels seen in high intensity training, and stimulates the same metabolic processes that drive muscle growth and strength development.
• BFR treatment can create the same adaptations seen in harder workouts without exposing painful and sensitive tissues to excess load and stress.