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Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
Using Blood-Flow Restriction Training For Pre- and Post-Operative Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
The Hetrick Center, Middletown, is now incorporating Blood Flow Restriction Training to supplement pre- and post-operative physical therapy rehabilitation. We have recently purchased BFR equipment from Smart Cuffs that includes multiple cuff sizes for the upper and lower extremities in addition to a pump/monitor that allows us to determine safe occlusion pressures. This will also be used to enhance other patients’ treatments during the strengthening phase to promote tissue healing and muscular hypertrophy.
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What is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)?
- BFR training utilizes specialized equipment through the application of a pneumatic tourniquet cuff to occlude venous outflow and restrict arterial inflow
- Creates an anaerobic environment to promote hypertrophy by upregulating cell signaling, protein synthesis, myogenic proliferation, and activate type II muscle fibers
- BFR is used in combination with low load resistance training to promote muscle hypertrophy
Pre and Post-Operative Indications for BFR
- Immobilization and non-weight bearing protocol following surgical interventions results in muscle disuse, decreased function, and muscle atrophy
- BFR has been shown to reduce muscle atrophy and increase muscle strength for pre and post-operative surgeries for either the upper or lower extremity
- Training under low load resistance with BFR can begin during early stages of healing post-operatively to resist muscle atrophy and build muscle strength
Cardiovascular and Exercise Capacity Benefits
- BFR has shown to increase VO2 max with low intensity training to improve athlete aerobic capacity
- Older adults can significantly benefit from BFR in combination with treadmill walking versus walking alone to improve functional ability
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