Increase strength with less stress
Blood Flow Restriction, or “BFR,” is a type of therapy that allows patients to increase muscle size and strength with lighter loads than traditional strength training. Our skilled physical therapists apply pressure to the patient’s limb using an external device (similar to a blood pressure cuff) to limit oxygen supply to the muscle, which causes the body to switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism.
Muscle stress is important for muscle healing, regeneration, and pain relief which is often less tolerated after injury or surgery. BFR allows patients to achieve the strength and size gains associated with heavy lifting without placing that high level of stress on areas while healing from a recent injury or surgery. This makes BFR particularly valuable for patients suffering from pain and weakness and those with weight baring / lifting restrictions.
Who does it help?
Research shows that Blood Flow Restriction training is helpful to those with:
- ACL reconstruction
- Post Knee Arthroscopy
- Total Knee Replacement (before and after surgery)
- Post Achillies tendon rupture repair
- Tendinopothy
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder pathologies
- Endurance training
- Osteoarthritis
- Geriatric populations (sarcopenia)
- High performance athletes (currently utilized by the National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Assoc. Olympic Teams, European Soccer, as well as the National Department of Defense).
Expert care at Kinetic Energy PT
At Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy we utilize the Delfi system of Personalized Blood Flow Restriction. Regulated by the FDA as a Class 1 device, the Delfi system has a built-in doppler which ensures that appropriate pressure is being applied. As the patient moves through their exercise program, the pressures adjust accordingly. We provide one-on-one supervision to any patient using BFR and work closely with your physicians for safe and personalized care.
