Blood Flow Restriction Therapy at Spine & Body Wellness

Co-Owners of Spine & Body Wellness, Savina and Masha has completed certification course for ‘Blood Flow Restriction Therapy’ Or BFR. BFR is becoming very relevant as it’s benefits are discovered by professionals & patients — in the physical therapy/rehabilitation world and athletic training overall.

Additionally, Spine & Body Wellness is one of the few clinics that are certified in this method.

What is BFR?

During BFR training, a patient or athlete works out with a narrow, elastic band around the upper portions of the exercising arm or leg. This band partially restricts venous blood flow, but does not affect arterial inflow to the extremity. Doing this produces a systemic response comparative to heavy weight training. Performing high repetitions of a particular exercise while wearing the elastic band and using light weights will allow the patient to receive the strengthening benefits of heavy lifting without the stress to tissues that may be healing from a recent injury or surgery.

Benefits of BFR:

BFR can be safely used to rehab patients with many types of musculoskeletal injuries. Positive results have been seen in patients after injury, in the elderly, and in athletes. It has also been applied extensively in the military rehabilitation setting on severely compromised patients.

Most commonly used for:

• Fractures that don’t grow back together or heal properly

• ACL injuries and other sprains/strains

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Total Joint Replacements

• Symptomatic Joint Arthritis

How it Works:

The exact mechanism behind the positive results seen with PBFR is still being extensively researched, and is most likely a combination of multiple factors. Theories range from a significant build up of metabolites by anaerobic metabolism, a systemic anabolic response and cellular swelling. It does appear that muscle protein synthesis plays a primary role as this has been consistently demonstrated in the literature. It can be incorporated into traditional physical therapy sessions, just as other techniques or equipment might be.

Effectiveness of BFR:

Blood flow restriction rehabilitation training (BFR) is a game-changing injury recovery therapy that is producing dramatically positive results:

• Diminish atrophy and loss of strength from disuse and non-weight bearing after injuries

• Increase strength and hypertrophy with only 30% loads\

• Improve muscle endurance in 1/3 the time

• Improve muscle protein synthesis in the elderly

• Improve strength and hypertrophy after surgery

• Improve muscle activation

• Increase growth hormone responses which increases collagen synthesis

• Important for tissue regeneration after injury

For more information, contact us to set up a free consultation for a specialized assessment of your unique issues.