Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)

What is blood flow restriction (BFR)?

BFR is a form of therapy that helps support muscle growth. The Elation Physical Therapy team includes therapists certified in BFR therapy through Owens Recovery Science (ORS).

It’s an innovative therapy tool that reduces blood flow to your muscles while engaging in lightweight muscle-building exercises. The combination of blood restriction and muscle-building exercises more effectively increases muscle growth than traditional weight-bearing exercises. 

During therapy, your physical therapist attaches a tourniquet-like system to your arm or leg. The system intermittently inflates and deflates while you exercise. Your therapy may last anywhere from 6-30 minutes. 

How does BFR therapy work?

Researchers are still investigating how BFR therapy works. It’s theorized that restricting blood flow to your muscles while you work out increases anaerobic metabolism, which means your muscles are producing energy without oxygen.

BFR also causes cellular swelling, increasing fluid loads without injuring the tissue or cells. Depriving oxygen to your muscles while you work out also triggers activity in your Type 2 muscle fibers, which are the fast-twitch muscles. 

Your Type 2 muscle fibers are the stronger muscle fibers, but they tend to fatigue faster than your Type 1 muscle fibers.

These cellular changes caused by BFR therapy increase protein production, stimulating the growth of new muscle. 

Am I a candidate for BFR therapy?

Schedule a consultation at Elation Physical Therapy to see if you’re a candidate for blood flow restriction therapy. 

The experts perform comprehensive initial assessments so they can fully understand your functional needs and goals and design a personalized plan that best benefits you. 

You may be a candidate for BFR if you’re struggling to meet your fitness or health goals because of poor muscle strength or growth. The team may combine your BFR with other therapies to ensure you get the best possible results. 

For example, the team may use the innovative tool to help athletes improve muscle strength and performance or support recovery following an injury.

BFR may also benefit people suffering from muscle loss following an illness or surgery. BFR helps increase muscle mass and strength, improving health and recovery. 

Schedule your BFR consultation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. 

We offer physical therapy for ACL repairs, rotator cuff repairs,  joint replacements, and other orthopedic surgeries. We also treat neck and low back pain and more. Call to book your appointment today.

We are the best physical therapy practice located in Houston, Pearland, Cypress and Katy, Texas. We offer sports injury recovery, pelvic floor therapy, treat lower back pain, and focus on general orthopedic injuries to help your needs. Call us to book your appointment today.