07/14/2025
💥Blood Flow restriction is a growing specialty in orthopedic rehab that requires a patient to perform resistance training with an inflated cuff around the leg or arm, which limits blood flow from entering or leaving muscles.
⚡️At a cellular level, the lack of oxygen to muscles from BFR will lead to earlier levels of fatigue and make the nervous system work harder to activate muscle fibers. Because of this metabolic stress, less resistance and intensity is required for individuals compared to their typical training.
🩼 For post-operative athletes who are in the early stages of rehab with weight-bearing restrictions or even entering the sub-acute stage, this is a great tool to regain strength and hypertrophy while reducing stress on surgical sites.
Cognetti D, Sheean A, Owens J. Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and Its Use for Rehabilitation and Return to Sport: Physiology, Application, and Guidelines for Implementation. Jan 2022;4(1):71-76.