Blood flow restriction training.

What is BFR?

During BFR training, a patient or athlete works out with a cuff 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.

How Does This Work?

Exercising with lighter weights while using blood flow restriction causes a local disturbance of homeostasis, as the working muscle does not receive enough blood flow to sustain contractions. This creates a release of autonomic and anabolic hormones that move throughout the body, causing increased protein synthesis. Improvements in strength and endurance can come quickly and without too much soreness.

Who Benefits from BFR?

Research has shown BFR can minimize loss of muscle mass and decrease bony healing time after surgery, allowing patients to improve both muscle size and strength without the stress of heavy lifting on healing soft tissue. Additionally, BFR can be used for athletes who want to improve performance.

Is BFR Safe?

Research has shown Owen's Recovery personalized blood flow restriction training to be safe and effective when exercises are performed appropriately and when equipment is monitored by a trained blood flow restriction professional.

Text above adapted from Athletico Physical Therapy