You may have heard of professional athletes using Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, or BFRT, to help gain muscle with less atrophy. But did you know that it can also help patients recover from injuries or recent surgeries? Johnston physical therapist Nathan Sanders, PT explains how BFR works, what to expect, and who can benefit from it.
What is blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT)?
Blood flow restriction therapy is a specialized rehabilitation technique that involves placing a band around the upper part of a limb to restrict blood flow during exercise. This method allows patients to perform low-intensity exercises while achieving similar benefits to high-intensity workouts.
“Blood flow restriction therapy safely promotes muscle growth, strength gains, and enhances recovery, all while minimizing stress on the joints,” says Nathan. “It is an excellent option for patients with arthritic knees or those recovering from surgery.”
BFRT can be used with almost anyone but is particularly helpful for patients who are unable to challenge their bodies with exercise at higher intensities. Common conditions that BFRT may be recommended for include:
- Bone, cartilage, or arthritic-related conditions
- Joint replacement surgeries
- Rotator cuff and tendon repair
- Achilles tendon repair
- ACL reconstruction
- Musculoskeletal injuries and surgery rehabilitation
What should I expect the first time I use BFRT?
Before starting BFRT, your physical therapist will assess your medical history and fitness level to determine the right program for you. A specialized cuff, similar to a blood pressure cuff, will be placed around your upper arm or leg, depending on the area being treated. The cuff is designed to partially restrict blood flow to the muscles, creating a controlled environment for improved muscle activation and strength building.
Once the cuff is in place, your therapist will gradually inflate it to a specific pressure based on your therapy goals. You’ll feel a tightening sensation, similar to a blood pressure cuff being tightened, but it should not be painful. The goal is to create enough restriction to stimulate muscle growth while maintaining comfort and safety.
You’ll then perform light exercises, such as bodyweight movements, resistance band work, or lifting light weights. Despite the lighter load, you will quickly feel your muscles working harder than usual due to the restricted blood flow. Once the cuff is released, you’ll likely notice a rush of blood flow to the area, which is normal.
What are the benefits of using BFRT?
BFRT offers a variety of benefits, especially for those looking to improve strength and recovery after an injury. Key benefits include:
- Reduced risk of joint strain – by using lighter weights or bodyweight exercises, it places less strain on your joints while still providing the benefits of traditional strength training.
- Improved muscle strength and growth – helps stimulate muscle growth by restricting blood flow, causing the muscles to work harder even with lighter weights.
- Enhanced recovery after injury or surgery – offers faster recovery times by promoting muscle healing and function.
- Improved range of motion and endurance – enabling patients to return to daily activities quicker.
- Time efficient – since BFRT uses lighter weights and shorter sessions (typically 15-20 minutes), it provides a time-efficient way to achieve comparable results to longer, high-intensity training sessions.
Whether you’re an elite athlete or recovery from injury, blood flow restriction therapy can be an effective treatment option, adjusted to your specific needs. Talk with your physical therapist to see if blood flow restriction therapy is right for you.
NathanSanders , PT
Nathan Sanders, PT joins The Iowa Clinic Physical Therapy department with a passion of providing high-quality healthcare across multiple disciplines. His interest in physical therapy was sparked by a running injury in high school and further deepened during his first anatomy class. Nathan is fascinated by the human body and movement, and he finds great fulfillment in helping patients recover and return to the activities they love.
An Iowa native, Nathan is excited to provide exceptional care for the people of central Iowa. A dedicated runner, Nathan has completed the Boston and Chicago Marathons and aims to run in all six World Major Marathons. In addition to running, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, playing golf, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. If he weren’t a physical therapist, he might have pursued a career as a sports journalist.