Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training uses an inflatable cuff to partly restrict blood flow during light exercise, so muscles can build strength with much lighter loads. Joint Effort Physical Therapy offers BFR therapy in Hot Springs, Arkansas for people recovering from injury or surgery. Searching for BFR physical therapy near me? Our PT-supervised program is here.
Why restrict blood flow at all?
It sounds backwards. Isn’t circulation good? The idea is that lightly lifted weights plus a cuff can tire a muscle the way heavy lifting does. Occlusion training works by restricting blood flow in the working limb during exercise, which prompts the body to build muscle protein.
The cuffs are similar to blood pressure cuffs. Exercise is done with about 30 percent of the normal load, so there is less stress on a joint or surgical site.
Who benefits from BFR therapy
After surgery
When heavy loads are not allowed yet, BFR lets you keep strengthening. See post-surgical rehab. This is the idea behind BFR after ACL surgery and BFR after knee replacement, and our joint replacement patients are one example.
During injury recovery
To limit muscle loss from disuse when you cannot bear weight. See knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain and sports injuries.
Older adults
Strengthening with light loads can be a gentler start. See arthritis and geriatric therapy.
Athletes
To keep or build muscle while a joint cannot take heavy training.
Set for you, supervised by a PT
Our equipment measures the pressure recommended for each limb, and the pressure is set for your body, not a standard setting. Our therapists supervise the exercise, so the cuff is always set by a licensed professional and not something to try on your own.
You will do exercises such as those in therapeutic exercise while the cuff is inflated. Expect tightness from the cuff and a muscle that tires quickly. It can feel intense, and it should not hurt. Tell your therapist if numbness or pain develops.
Screening before BFR
Tell us before your first session if you have:
- A history of blood clots
- Vascular disease
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Pregnancy
We also screen for other health conditions at your evaluation.
Together with other treatments, and cost
BFR can be used with electrical stimulation to keep a muscle active early in recovery. Your therapist decides the mix. Rob Jordan, PT leads care at our Hot Springs clinic.
Call us to ask how BFR is billed. Joint Effort Physical Therapy accepts most major commercial and private insurances, and the insurance page lists the plans it does not take. Self-pay is $85 per visit.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Blood flow restriction training care in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats Blood flow restriction training at our Hot Springs clinic, 1880 Airport Rd., Suite C.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.