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Blood Flow Restriction

Blood flow restriction training uses a specially designed cuff or strap to improve strength and promote healing safely after injury or after surgery.

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What is blood flow restriction training?

Blood flow restriction training (BFR) is a technique that can be used to increase strength
in an arm or leg through the use of a specially designed cuff or strap placed tightly around the limb during exercise to reduce, but not completely occlude, blood flow.

During blood flow restriction training, a patient or athlete performs high repetitions of a particular exercise while wearing the cuff or strap around their upper arm or upper leg with use of light resistance to improve strength.

After some injuries or surgery, strength training must be delayed to promote healing or due to immobilization. Blood flow restriction training is an option that can be used after injury to allow strengthening while working at light loads that are appropriate for healing.

Is blood flow restriction training the right treatment?

Blood flow restriction training can be helpful after surgery, including ACL and rotator cuff surgeries. It’s also commonly used during periods of immobilization, deconditioning, or athletic rehabilitation, as well as with tendinopathies and joint replacements.

Blood flow restriction training can improve muscle strength and mass, prevent atrophy, increase blood flow, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve bone mineral density.

Blood flow restriction training benefits

The benefits of blood flow restriction training include:

Improve muscle mass strength after injury or surgery
Promote healing after injury or surgery
Prevent atrophy
Increase blood flow
Improve bone mineral density

What to expect

Your first physical therapy appointment is about creating a personalized treatment plan based on your health history, diagnosis, and goals. Here’s what you can expect at your first physical therapy appointment:

Your first appointment will last about an hour. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

If applicable, bring your physician referral or prescription, insurance card, paperwork, ID, and co-payment.

At your appointment, we’ll do an initial evaluation and discuss your care plan.

Prepare for your visit

*Services are not available at every location. Visit our Locations page for more details.

Physical therapy insurance & payment options

We work with most major insurance providers. Although coverage will vary from plan to plan, many physical therapy, occupational therapy and speciality therapy programs are covered under insurance. Learn more about our insurance coverage and self-pay options for physical therapy.

Insurance Coverage