What is Blood Flow Restriction?
BFR Training Washington DC is a new physical therapy technique used in both rehabilitation and performance training that increases strength without the stress of weight-bearing on the body. Blood flow restriction training allows you to increase muscle strength and size while training at 20-30% of maximum intensity. BFR training has gained popularity among both rehabilitation professionals and high-level athletes because of its significant benefits to rehabilitating and healthy athletes.
What are the benefits of BFR training?
During rehabilitation, it may be unsafe to lift at the intensity required to regain muscle strength and size that was lost during recovery. BFR training allows patients to exercise at a lower intensity while still increasing strength and muscle growth - without stressing the injured area. Blood flow restriction also helps patients heal more quickly through increasing collagen synthesis and bone-healing factors. BFR training also helps to build muscle strength in healthy athletes at a lower risk of injury than with high-intensity weightlifting.
How does blood flow restriction therapy work?
In BFR therapy, a pressurized cuff connected to a blood flow restriction unit is placed on the arm or leg. The cuff tightens, completely restricting blood flow in the veins and partially restricting the oxygenated blood flow in the arteries of that muscle, while patients perform low-intensity exercise – around 20-30% of their highest output.
Can I use any device myself for BFR training?
No. Blood flow restriction training should only be performed with FDA-approved equipment under the supervision of a trained therapist. It is unsafe to attempt BFR therapy yourself or with another device such as a blood pressure cuff. Physical therapists at Release Physical Therapy are certified and trained to use Delfi PTS Personalized Tourniquet System®. These units are FDA approved and are specifically designed to be used for personalized blood flow restriction training. They are the highest quality BFR units in the industry and provide better results than any other method of restricting blood flow.
Is blood flow restriction therapy safe?
blood flow restriction training is as safe or safer than high-intensity exercise. Your body reacts to BFR similar to high-intensity training - this means you gain the same benefits without the risk of injury compared with high-intensity training. You should not use BFR therapy if you:
- have severe high blood pressure
- have a blood clotting disorder
- have active cancer
- have impaired circulation
- have sickle cell anemia
- have had a lymphectomy
- have an open fracture or soft tissue injury
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy in Washington DC
Blood flow restriction training should only be performed with FDA-approved equipment under the supervision of a trained clinician. Physical therapists at Release Physical Therapy are certified and trained in blood flow restriction therapy using the Delfi Personalized Tourniquet System device.
One of the best things about BFR therapy is that it’s beneficial for all athletes, injured or healthy. BFR training is especially popular with CrossFit lovers and other athletes that train at extremely high intensity because of the increased muscle strength and growth that can be achieved at a much lower resistance. BFR is also great for runners and can be used to increase VO2 max and vascular performance. If you think you may benefit from BFR therapy, please make an appointment at Release Physical Therapy today.
How does blood flow restriction therapy work?
In BFR therapy, a pressurized cuff connected to a blood flow restriction unit is placed on the arm or leg. The cuff tightens, completely restricting blood flow in the veins and partially restricting the oxygenated blood flow in the arteries of that muscle, while patients perform low-intensity exercise – around 20-30% of their highest output.
Can I use any device myself for BFR training?
No. Blood flow restriction training should only be performed with FDA-approved equipment under the supervision of a trained therapist. It is unsafe to attempt BFR therapy yourself or with another device such as a blood pressure cuff. Physical therapists at Release Physical Therapy are certified and trained to use Delfi PTS Personalized Tourniquet System®. These units are FDA approved and are specifically designed to be used for personalized blood flow restriction training. They are the highest quality BFR units in the industry and provide better results than any other method of restricting blood flow.
Is blood flow restriction therapy safe?
Blood flow restriction training is as safe or safer than high-intensity exercise. Your body reacts to BFR similar to high-intensity training - this means you gain the same benefits without the risk of injury compared with high-intensity training. You should not use BFR therapy if you:
- have severe high blood pressure
- have a blood clotting disorder
- have active cancer
- have impaired circulation
- have an open fracture
- have a soft tissue injury
BFR Training Washington DC
BFR training Washington DC should only be performed with FDA-approved equipment under the supervision of a trained clinician. Physical therapists at Release Physical Therapy are certified and trained in blood flow restriction therapy using the Delfi Personalized Tourniquet System device.
One of the best things about BFR therapy is that it’s beneficial for all athletes, injured or healthy. BFR training is especially popular with CrossFit lovers and other athletes that train at extremely high intensity because of the increased muscle strength and growth that can be achieved at a much lower resistance. BFR is also great for runners and can be used to increase VO2 max and vascular performance. If you think you may benefit from BFR therapy, please make an appointment at Release Physical Therapy today.
Cari Simon
Owner, Physical Therapist
Bettie Kruger
Physical Therapist
Stephanie Lam
Physical Therapist
Trever Reed
Physical Therapist
Ethan Gramstad
Physical Therapist