What is that?
Blood flow restriction training (BFR) is a method used to strengthen muscles when heavy lifting isn’t an option. We use a medical grade Delfi system that involves an extremity cuff, and a machine that is calibrated specific to the patient. Once the machine identifies how much blood flow to restrict, you perform light exercise. Using BFR will create a similar burn or discomfort that normal intense exercise creates.
Is it Safe?
BFR is used all over the world. It originated in the military and is now being commonly used in outpatient clinics just like ours! It has over 15 years of documented use without any dangerous effects. It has been well studied and has been found to be helpful in a wide variety of patients, most of which end up in our clinics.
How Does It Work?
The cuff that you wear restricts blood flow. The decreased blood flow to the muscle makes it work harder. The hard work that your muscle experiences is similar to normal work out conditions. Since you have some decrease in blood flow you use light weight selected by our trained medical staff. It may look light, but it will separate the men from the boys if ya know what I mean!
When Do You Need to Use BFR?
BFR is best used when muscle mass has decreased, but the ability to lift heavy weights to regain it isn’t an option. This might be because of surgery, sedentary lifestyle, getting sick and being in bed for an extended period of time, tendinitis, or a host of other conditions.
What Have We Noticed About It?
We have used BFR for many different ages and injuries for the past year. We’ve had success with increasing strength and muscle size in a shorter period of time than we would have by using light weight. That’s a big deal because that means the road to recovery is more like a freeway than a city street. We like getting people better faster!