Cutting Edge Physical Therapy: Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFR)

At ASTF we like to stay on the cutting edge of evidence-based physical therapy and sports medicine practice. One of the hottest topics in #sportsmedicine, #physicaltherapy, and #sportsperformance is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy.

Through the use of an FDA-approved surgical grade tourniquet system we can limit blood flow to and from a muscle, usually during exercise. This decrease in blood flow creates a build-up of lactic acid, which starts the biochemical cascade that leads to muscular hypertrophy (muscle growth). Under these conditions, "easy" exercises get difficult quickly - with light weight feeling as if it is impossibly heavy. In a #sportsphysicaltherapy setting, this allows patients to limit atrophy while improving strength and hypertrophy earlier and more effectively in their rehab program.

Because of the significant reduction in load (weight) used, physical therapy with BFR is a safer, more effective way to make progress without risking damage from loading injured/surgically corrected structures too soon. Curious about how this could help you? Call, email or contact us on social media to see if BFR is right for you.